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The Best Journal

Last updated on March 15, 2024

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Finding the perfect journal is a necessity. Whether you are working from home or jotting down what you are going to make for dinner, it is important to have a journal you can rely on. Forget about all the little scraps of paper you have in your purse, coat or backpack; it is time for a change.

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Keep all your notes and plans in one compact place. Looking for a place to put your computer passwords? Done. Need a way to keep track of your work to-do list? Done. Have a lot of creativity and nowhere to put it? Done.

Putting pen to paper is an easy way to transfer what is in your head onto something more concrete. Many times we just go through the motions of everyday life, we do not stop to think about what we are doing and how we are doing it. That is why it is important to find the right journal. Think about your life, what you do and how you want to improve.

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There are a couple of journal types that we personally love. One is your classic lined paper journal. With a lined journal, you are given the guidance of paper with horizontal ruling.

Lines make it easy to stay organized and clean.  Some great options are the Paperage lined journal notebook. It is perfect if you are looking for a simple and sleek option. The Paperage journal is a hardcover book filled with 160 pages of high-quality paper. It is thick, sturdy and includes an expandable inner pocket, one ribbon bookmark, one cardholder and a handy elastic closure band.

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The journal also comes in an amazing assortment of colors. We like the idea of buying a different color for different topics! And when we say an array of colors, we mean it: from a beautiful Robin’s egg blue to a classic black, you have options.

Some journals feature 160 lightly-lined pages that are encased by a cover featuring the sun, planets, stars and gold gilded edges. These journals will not only be a great addition to your everyday life but can also double as a stunning coffee table book.

If you are looking for a journal that is a true classic, check out Moleskine. These notebooks have deluxe quality pages that are perfect for ballpoint pens, fountain pens or pencils.

These journals are incredibly durable, so don’t be afraid to throw them in your bag and go. Because these journals are not spiral-bound, they are less likely to fall apart or be affected by moisture, so be prepared to use your Moleskine for months and months, or until you run out of pages, whichever comes first.

If a lined journal isn’t for you, make way for the dotted journal. Why a dotted journal? We have the answers.

A dotted journal can help you keep your handwriting in check and you can create your own personalized planner. A dotted journal makes it easier for you to draw straight lines and create page breaks as you see fit. It also allows you to move around the page more freely and not be tied down to lines on a page.

These books are great for those who want to be a bit more creative and customize each page to their needs. Dotted journals make it easier to create lists, be creative (draw outside the lines … literally) and even track expenses.

For these reasons, we like the Leuchtturm1917 dotted hardcover notebook. It is a medium-sized book that includes stickers for labeling, numbed pages, a place-keeper, a blank table of contents and an expandable inside pocket.

Another option is the Poluma dotted grid journal. Similar to the Leuchtturm1917, it is a sturdy book with plenty of pages to fill. Its faux-leather cover is perfect for the office or on the go.

Our Picks For The Top Journals

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Product Overview
Our Take
 Best Overall

Beyong Tied Loose Leaf Binder Journal

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Beyong

Tied Loose Leaf Binder Journal

If you're looking for a unique present, this leather journal fits the bill. It features a beautiful leaf pattern on the front and a tie closure with a matching leaf charm. The inner journal is made up of a 3-ring binder and loose paper that can be removed when inspiration strikes.

Overall Take

Great for GivingYou'll find this journal is available in six attractive colors, including blue, brown, coffee, black and red.

 Classic Look

Huhuhero Professional Thick Pages Journal

Huhuhero

Professional Thick Pages Journal

Elegant is the best word to describe this journal, which comes in a choice of black, blue, green, red or yellow. The cover is soft to the touch and made to resemble a high-quality leather. The pages are thicker than other models on the market, which means you'll be able to write on them with gel pens and markers.

Overall Take

Best for School or Office UseThe back pocket in this journal is expandable to hold everything from business cards to receipts.

 Dotted Pick

Leuchtturm1917 Reflection Note-Taking Journal

Leuchtturm1917

Reflection Note-Taking Journal

Professional looking and easy to use, this journal is great for at home or in the office. It comes with a lot of bells and whistles including stickers and a place keeper so you never have to guess where you left off.

Overall Take

Easy To UseThis journal is a medium-sized book that includes stickers for labeling, numbed pages, a place-keeper and a blank table of contents.

 Also Consider

Poluma Dotted Grid Sturdy Weight Paper Journal

Poluma

Dotted Grid Sturdy Weight Paper Journal

This dotted journal is perfect for those who want to get into a new type of journaling but do not know where to start. Its faux-leather is beautiful and easily fits into your daily life.

Overall Take

Book-Bound OptionThe pages in this hardcover dotted journal are specifically designed for easy and efficient planning.

What to Look For

  • Know that your journal does not have to be for any specific thing. Do not worry if each individual page holds something different. Your journal is your own and you are free to do with it whatever you please! Relax and let your pen do the talking.
  • Make it your own! Feel free to jazz it up a bit. Make your journal a welcome addition to your day.
  • Bring it everywhere you go. You never know when inspiration will hit or you need to jot something down. The good thing about the journals we have chosen is that they are sturdy and easy to stash in any bag.
  • If you are using your journal to help keep stress or anxiety at bay, start slowly and be self-aware. Write in a private, quiet space where you can think. Try to remain consistent. The more consistent you are with writing, the better.
  • Writer’s block is a real thing. Try switching up where and when you write. Sometimes all you need is a different environment to spark creativity, even if that means going from your living room to your bedroom.
  • Try not to limit yourself to just words on a page. Draw something and explore your creative side. You can even scrapbook or tape letters, poems or postcards inside.
  • Do not be afraid to use journal prompts. Not everything you put on the page has to be perfect. Prompts are a fun way to step outside of yourself and discover something new.
  • At the end of the day, write for yourself. The only person you need to impress is you.  Messy, organized or mostly blank, your journal is yours alone.

More to Explore

Did you know that journaling can help with mental health? Journaling is a way to combat stress, anxiety and even depression.

Journaling can help prioritize your problems, fears and concerns as well as track any triggers you may have. It provides a safe space for you to get it all out on paper and out of your head. It is thought that writing helps our mental health by giving us a path to confronting previously inhibited emotions (like stress) and helping us process past and present events.

Some studies suggest that journaling especially helps those with PTSD conditions and a history of trauma. A great thing about writing therapy is there is no wrong way to do it, all you have to do is write.

Keeping a journal for mental health activates the rational left side of your brain and the creative right side of your brain. Merging these two has a lot of positive effects. So, the next time you are feeling stressed, pick up a journal.

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