When Is The Best Time To Journal: Morning Or Night?
Is it better to journal in the morning and harness the energy of a fresh new day?
Or at night when you can reflect back on the day?
If you want to start a journaling habit, you have to carve out some time in your day for a dedicated writing session. You won’t form a new habit if you don’t schedule it into your everyday life.
So what’s the best time to write if you want to reap all the incredible benefits of journaling?
I’ve been journaling for decades at all times of the day and for many different reasons throughout my life. And I can tell you there’s a huge difference between journaling in the morning and evening.
The best time to journal depends on your lifestyle and your needs.
The benefits of morning journaling:
- Your mind is clear and fresh, and your brain is still in touch with the subconscious world you inhabit in your sleep.
- Your ego is still waking up so you’re more likely to be honest and direct in your writing.
- It’s the perfect time to clarify your priorities as you look at the day ahead.
- A morning journaling session gives you the satisfaction of accomplishing a challenging task early in the day, which boosts motivation and productivity for the rest of the day.
- It’s a great time to offer yourself encouragement as you face any worries about the day ahead.
There are specific journaling techniques that are perfect for mornings as you’re looking ahead at a new day.
Mornings are often hurried and overwhelming, and a good journaling session can be the grounding habit you need to lower stress and boost mindfulness.
Mornings are the perfect time to make plans, gain clarity and lift your mood.
Morning journaling techniques:
Morning Pages are created for the AM hours and recommended in the bestselling The Artist’s Way. Morning Pages are basically a brain dump in which you write 3 full, unedited pages of your stream of thoughts directly onto paper. They’re brilliant to clear your mind, vent your worries and prepare you for the day.
An affirmation journal is the best journaling technique for those mornings when you’re feeling low and riddled with self-doubt. An affirmation journal is a safe space to write down positive statements about yourself. It’s a space to give yourself the pep talk you need to have a great day. And it’s a space to give yourself the self-love and encouragement you need to hear.
A gratitude journal is great to lift your spirits first thing in the morning and make you appreciate everything you have. It’s easy to spend your morning worrying about the future. And it’s easy to take everything for granted in the rush of everyday life. But a gratitude journal sets a positive tone that will carry you through the day with thankfulness and balance.
The benefits of night journaling:
If you’re not a morning person – and if you dread the thought of adding yet another task to your morning routine – then you’ll love journaling at night when everything has settled down.
Journaling in the evening is a calm and restorative habit that lets you reflect back on the day and unwind for a better night’s sleep.
Or maybe it’s also a time when you put the kids to bed and finally have a quiet moment to yourself.
Night journaling techniques:
- You can vent, reflect and look back on your day to become more self-aware and gain valuable insights.
- An evening journaling session is proven to reduce stress and improve your quality of sleep.
- It’s a great time for some gratitude journaling and affirmations to lift your spirits after a tough day.
- It’s the perfect time to let yourself unwind, express yourself and find a creative outlet in your journal.
- An evening journaling session lets you list everything you’ve accomplished and make a to-do list for tomorrow.
There are some great life-changing journaling techniques that work perfectly at night when you’re unwinding after a long day.
Nighttime journaling is also a great way to put the day behind you and rekindle your creativity.
It’s also an ideal time to access the day and elaborate on what went well and what didn’t.
Night journals to try:
A reflection journal is your safe space to look back on the day, analyze, brainstorm and vent your frustrations. A reflection journal can be deeply emotional and soul-searching. Or it can be practical and goal-oriented. A reflection journal is a great way to lift your spirits when you focus on the good parts of your day.
A manifestation journal is best done at night before you drift off into sleep and your subconscious takes over. Use a manifestation journal to write about your ideal life – and imagine yourself as if you were already living it. A manifestation journal is a great tool to bring your future self into sharper focus and make your goals more attainable.
An art journal is a great way to unwind in the evening and get your mind off the worries of the day. Use an art journal to relax and escape into your imagination. An art journal also gives you the satisfaction of having created something unique that’s all your own – and that boosts your well-being and improves your sleep.
What’s best for you?
Both options have their own perks.
Morning journaling lets you face the day with clarity and purpose.
Evening journaling lets you reflect back on the day and reduces stress.
It’s best to experiment with both options and see which feels more natural.
Read next:
51 Inspiring Quotes About Journaling (To Get You Writing!)
Nature Journaling: An Essential Guide (+8 Tips To Start)
47 Life-Changing Journaling Techniques (And How To Start)
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