A stream-of-consciousness journal is an empty book of your choice in which you freely write whatever is on your mind rapidly and without stopping. The focus is on content not form, so you don't stop to check grammar or spelling as you quickly write down all the ideas rolling around in your brain. This can be a timed writing, at least 15 minutes, or with a set number of pages. The idea is to let everything consciously flow without self-criticism or judgment. Stream-of-consciousness writing is not typically edited, but if you must correct spelling, punctuation, etc., do it only after the session is over and you have exhausted all of the readily available thoughts in your head.
A creative writing journal is reserved for stories, poems, lyrics, and/or drawings. This is a more structured form of a personal journal in which to record artistic ideas that you may wish develop to more fully. i.e., short story ideas, the outline for a novel, illustrated stories or poems, and musical lyrics and score.
A scrap book journal is an empty book used to preserve memories by filling it with photos, ticket stubs, playbooks, post cards, etc., or any other item that you wish to save to remember events of a previous time and place. You can include narration along with your keepsakes to record the details of pivotal periods in your life. A scrap book journal can also be specifically themed as a way to capture specific events such as vacations, or to hallmark key events such as weddings, birthdays and holidays.
A family or friendship journal is a journal that you share with your family and/or friends. Each takes a turn writing freestyle or on structured topics, exchanging the same journal back and forth, reading others' responses and adding their own. This type of journaling ensures that those who participate will share each others experiences. This is a good way to learn more about your circle of family and friends while creating a keepsake to look back on and read at a later time.
Spiritual journals are reserved for prayers and lists of things you are grateful for. If you are facing a crises or feel discouraged, writing out inspiring, affirmative prayers and making lists of what you are grateful for can serve as a motivating reality check. A spiritual journal is the place to take stock of your higher ideals and commune with God via written meditations and prayers.
A financial journal can be used to reach specific monetary goals and to chart your budgeting progress. Keeping track of every penny you spend in a financial journal will allow you to scrutinize your spending habits and make necessary adjustments. Sometimes a small alteration in your spending can lead to major savings--for example, packing your own lunch every day instead of buying prepared food, which also usually includes a 9.2 percent sales tax, could save you $200.00 a month or more, particularly if you also have to pay to park while you eat.
According to a study report in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior by Kelly H. Webber, assistant professor at the University of Kentucky, the best way to lose weight is to keep a journal and monitor yourself. The study found that dieters who kept a journal of their regular diet and exercise were more motivated and lost more weight than dieters who did not. The dieter's journal is also used by Weight Watchers, a publicized weight loss program, in which dieters are asked to keep a daily written record of everything consumed in order to stay accountable and on target with their weight loss goals.