How to Start (and Keep) a Morning Journaling Routine

A morning journaling routine is one of the simplest ways to bring calm, clarity and creativity into your day. It doesn’t require much—just a notebook, a pen and a few quiet minutes—but the benefits can carry through the rest of your day. Whether you’re hoping to feel more organised, more mindful, or you just want a moment to yourself before the day kicks off, journaling in the morning is a gentle habit that can make a real difference.

Here’s what it can look like, how to start, and why it’s worth giving it a go.

There’s no one “right” way to journal in the morning, but a typical routine might look something like this:

• Waking up and journalling before checking your phone
  Try to protect the first few minutes of your day from screens and distractions. This helps you tune in to your own thoughts and set your tone for the day ahead.

• Setting up a calm, cosy journalling space
  Sit by a window, pop the kettle on, light a candle—whatever makes you feel relaxed and present. Creating a little ritual around it can make journalling feel like a treat rather than a task.

• Writing for 5–15 minutes
  You don’t have to write pages and pages. Some people like to use prompts, others just do a brain dump of whatever’s on their mind. It’s totally up to you and what you need that day.

There’s more than one way to use a morning journal. You might keep it consistent every day, or switch it up depending on how you feel. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Gratitude journalling: Write down three to five things you’re grateful for. It’s a great way to start the day on a positive note.

• Morning pages: A practice from The Artist’s Way (a wonderful book for finding your creativity) —just write two or three pages of whatever comes into your head, no filter, no structure.

• To-do list or priorities: Use your journal to jot down your top tasks for the day or a few things you’d like to get done.

• Mood or sleep tracking: Record how you slept, how you’re feeling, or anything that might affect your energy levels for the day.

• Creative outlet: Doodle, collage, write a haiku—whatever feels good! It’s a chance to play creatively without any pressure.

• Reflections or intentions: Reflect on yesterday or write down how you’d like to show up today.

• It gives you breathing space before the day starts
  Instead of diving straight into emails or news headlines, journalling gives you a moment of quiet to check in with yourself first.

• It helps reduce stress
  Getting your thoughts out of your head and onto paper can stop them from swirling around. It can help you see things more clearly and feel less overwhelmed.

• It supports your creativity
  Whether you consider yourself creative or not, journalling taps into that part of your brain that’s curious, playful and reflective.

• It can improve focus
  Journalling in the morning helps you work out what actually matters to you that day. It can help you avoid distractions and feel more grounded in your priorities.

• Keep your journal visible
  Leave it by your bed, next to your coffee cup, or wherever you’ll see it in the morning. A visual cue makes it easier to remember.

• Start small
  You don’t need to write for ages. Even five minutes is enough. Consistency is more important than length.

• Pair it with something you already do
  Try journalling straight after you make your morning cuppa or while you wait for your toast.

• Make it feel nice
  Use a pen you love or a beautiful journal that you can't wait to use. Sit somewhere peaceful. Light a candle or play some soft music. The nicer the experience, the more you’ll look forward to it.

• Don’t stress if you miss a day
  Life happens. If you skip a morning, just pick it up again the next day. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about showing up when you can.

A great morning journaling habit starts with choosing a journal that actually suits the way you like to write. If you prefer to keep things simple, a diary with just a few lines per day is perfect for a calm, low-pressure routine. If you’re someone who likes to switch things up — some days a neat list, other days a full brain-dump — a lined or dot grid notebook gives you the freedom to change your style whenever inspiration hits.

Here are our top journal picks to help you kickstart your morning routine:

Quick List: WashiGang Journal Favourites

• Midori Yuru Log Notebook B6 — compact, sweet page decorations, perfect for short daily reflections.

• Midori A5 Colour Notebook — lightweight with beautiful paper; great for freewriting or structured lists.

• MONA Slow Journal — slim and lightweight; perfect for planning daily to-do lists or a few quick lines of writing.

• Yusuke Yonezu Undated Illustrated Diary — cute illustrated pages with space for quick daily notes.

• The Quirky Cup Collective Literati Journal (Wisteria) — an aesthetic, inspiring journal for deeper morning writing sessions.

• Archer & Olive Dot Grid Journals — thick, 160gsm pages that handle stickers, markers, and mixed media with ease. Great if you enjoy a combination of writing, doodling, sketching, decorating, collaging or art making in the mornings. 

Just like choosing the right journal, finding a pen you love to write with can make your morning routine feel extra special. A smooth, comfortable pen turns those first thoughts of the day into a little daily luxury — something you actually look forward to. Whether you want soft gel ink, a sturdy everyday writer, or a pen that makes you feel like the main character, here are some of our favourites:

Quick List: WashiGang Pen Favourites

• The Quirky Cup Collective Pens — beautifully weighted with gold accents and whimsical designs; these pens make your morning pages feel just a little bit magical.

• Uni-ball One — perfect if you adore colour options. With fast-drying, low-smudge ink and heaps of cute colour palettes, they’re great for expressive journaling.

• Uni-ball P Pens — short, compact, and robust enough to travel anywhere. Ideal for morning journaling in the park, on the porch, or on the go.

• Uni-ball Zento Gel Pens — rich black gel ink that glides smoothly and dries fast for crisp, effortless writing.

• Fountain Pens — for when you want to channel Bridgerton energy, write like a regency protagonist, or simply make your morning pages feel a little bit fancy.

A morning journalling routine doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s simply a way to check in with yourself before the rest of the world demands your attention. Whether you’re writing to get organised, be creative, or just get your thoughts out of your head, the most important thing is that it feels like a kind moment for you.

So if you’ve been saving that beautiful notebook for “the right time”—this might be it.

Check out our whole collection of notebooks on the website!