“It can be very easy to think negatively and only focus on what’s going wrong. So, I’m a fan of this journal that features prompts that force me to shift my thinking and reflect on things I’m grateful for. Most importantly, I love that it really only takes five minutes to get through.” —Minaa B., LMSW, licensed social worker, mental health educator, and author of Owning Our Struggles
Wondermind
Ask anyone who's cried to their friends or channeled their rage into a kickboxing class—getting Big Emotions out feels good. It’s a kind of release that helps us work through hard times. And that’s basically what writing in journals does, says psychologist Rosie Garcia, PsyD. “Expressing your feelings on paper provides catharsis, allowing you to unload the weight of daily challenges or pent-up emotions,” says Dr. Garcia. That makes journaling a good outlet for anxiety and stress, she adds.
Besides getting unhelpful shit out of your brain, journaling helps you learn more about yourself. By writing it all down, you can better understand your thoughts, emotions, triggers, and how you want to grow, says Dr. Gracia. This is also known as self-awareness, she notes—and who couldn’t use a little more of that?
The things you write about can matter as much as the journals themselves. For example, gratitude journaling, or writing about things you're thankful for, was shown to decrease stress in adults during the pandemic, according to one small study. In another small study, writing about a hard situation, like a loss, helped participants feel less upset about that difficult experience. Plus, using your journal to jot down your goals can help you actually commit to them, says clinical psychologist Miriam Kirmayer, PhD. (And you don’t even need a TikTok-famous bullet journal to do that.)
However you like to journal, there are a ton of products out there for it—like an overwhelming amount. So we got recs from journaling enthusiasts (mental health pros and non-pros included!) to help you find your next one. Happy writing!
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2.AmazonThe Anxiety Journal
$17.19“Journaling became my safe haven from an anxiety-inducing work environment. This insightful journal helped me acknowledge my anxious feelings and gave me calming exercises, uplifting quotes, and thoughtful writing prompts. Every morning before work, I’d dedicate five to 10 minutes to this journal, and I often suggest it to my clients who are navigating their own anxiety battles.” —Rosie Garcia, PsyD, licensed psychologist
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3.Amazon“I’m coming out of a period of pause, thanks to a few family health challenges. As I do that, this journal helps me to clarify the goals and experiences I want to check off my bucket list in this next chapter.” —Miriam Kirmayer, PhD, clinical psychologist
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4.Passion PlannerPassion Planner
$35.69“Passion Planner technically isn’t a journal, but I use it as one. There’s a ‘good things that happened’ section that I use for quick gratitude journaling, and I like having it right there with my schedule and to-do list. I also use the ‘focus’ spot for intention-setting and the ‘space of infinite possibility’ section for brain dumps, grounding lists, or doodles. All of this really helps with my anxiety.” —Mikaela M., 34
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“I’m a journaling newbie, but this Wondermind x Cloth & Paper collab is making me a convert. The 90-page discbound journal has three different planner inserts so you have ample space to keep track of your priorities, goals, and thoughts. Plus, it comes with adorable mood stickers, two incredibly satisfying gel pens, magnetic page flags, lots of sticky notes, and so much more—all in a beautiful quilted dust bag. If you’re looking for a journal/planner hybrid, I highly suggest this one.” —Casey Gueren, VP, Head of Content, Wondermind
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“I like this journal because it has prompts and creative activities to follow in no particular order (hence the name!). The formatting of each page varies: There are self-reflections, spaces to dump anything you want, and drawing boards. I suggest everyone try this journal!” —Dayna B., 25
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“Journaling is a release and helps me ground myself. This is my favorite journal that I buy a few times a year. It’s the perfect size to throw in my bag or keep on my nightstand, though I still have space to empty out my thoughts every night. I freewrite, but I also use this journal prompt card deck (which I created) when I’m feeling stuck.” —Amber Benziger, LPC, therapist
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8.Therapy NotebooksThe Anti-Anxiety Notebook
$30.40“A friend recommended this to me, and I’ve been using it to help manage my anxiety. The prompts explain how to challenge my thoughts and help me use that tactic in everyday life. For example, I could be feeling super anxious about a work presentation, but after some reframing, I realize that I’m anxious because this is important to me. I rework, I’m not good enough, into something like, This opportunity to showcase my work is exciting. I’m the expert in the room on this presentation, so I *am* good enough even if I make some mistakes. This journal taught me how to do that.” —Esther T.
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9.AmazonLeuchtturm1917
$18.50“I like that this is a plain book that I can pick up and write in whenever I want. When I have a bad day at work, I try to make sense of what went wrong by journaling. It helps my overwhelm and enables me to sort out emotions that I don’t understand!” —Sanjana, 22
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10.AmazonMe, You, Us
$11.49“This is one of my most cherished journals. It’s meant to be worked on, written in, and drawn in alongside a loved one. My husband and I have enjoyed filling it out together over the years, reminiscing about what makes us us. It’s definitely helped us feel closer in some challenging times.” —Miriam Kirmayer, PhD, clinical psychologist
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“Whether I’m naming feelings or really connecting the dots in my own emotional experience, journaling is a big part of my ability to process life as it’s happening. I use Moleskine because I like how durable and compact it is and how it comes in different colors.” —Mila F., 26
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12.AmazonPeter Pauper Press Journal
$13.96“Journaling is a crucial part of helping me release the big thoughts and feelings that come with anxiety. My journal is like a non-judgmental friend. I can say whatever I need to say, no matter how weird or petty or out there. It’s a space to be my most authentic self. I use a lined, oversized journal, and my favorites, like this one, are from Peter Pauper Press because the covers are beautiful.” —Jennie W., 43
Wondermind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health.
