8 “Low-Lift” Guided Journals You’ll Actually Use—And Many of Them Are on Sale Right Now

In a perfect world, I would be the type of person who comes home and journals for 30 minutes every evening before bed. (And dutifully keeps up with a bullet journal.) I follow people on Instagram who make a point to do this, and while it always seems like a solid idea, the reality is that most nights my schedule is unpredictable or I’m simply too exhausted. Why think about chronicling my thoughts on paper when I could just mindlessly text a few friends?

That said, I’ve always loved the idea of having a physical diary to look back on years down the road, and I’ve discovered that there are plenty of “low lift” journals that are the perfect solution for someone like me. They’re either super to-the-point or come with prompts, making it easy to jot down a few thoughts each day without having to spend too much time writing away. Below are some of our faves—and take note (pun intended) that for a limited time, Urban Outfitters is offering 25 percent off books with code BOOKS25.

I know people who’ve completed these one line a day journals before, and while they do take some dedication (you’re supposed to complete an entry every day for five years), the end result is so satisfying. When it’s finally complete, the journal is a great way to look back and celebrate personal growth and challenges overcome, which, IMO, is priceless. This floral find was originally spotted on Anthropologie, but has since sold out—but we found the same one on Amazon, plus a few others!

Buy: One Line A Day: A Five-Year Memory Book, $10.90 from Amazon

If you appreciate a mix of writing prompts ranging from super light-hearted to more serious and thought-provoking, this journal is the one for you. The questions change each day but cover a range of topics, which is bound to keep things interesting and encourage you to keep filling it out week after week. And since you answer the same questions on each day for five years, it’s easy to look back on growth and subtle change.

Buy: One Question a Day: A Five-Year Journal By Aimee Chase, $16.99 $12.74 from Urban Outfitters

Write down highlights from your day with an emphasis on gratitude thanks to this simple journal. Whether you use it in the morning or at night, filling out an entry will make you appreciate the good parts of any day—not to mention that much more productive.

Buy: The Five-Minute Journal By Intelligent Change, $24.95 $18.71 from Urban Outfitters

This guided year-long journal encourages you to make the most out of your year. It features monthly goals and prompts to help you shake up your routine, go out of your comfort zone, and take an active approach to living your best life.

Buy: Best Year Yet: A Journal for Becoming Your Best Self by Chronicle Books, $14.95 $11.21 from Urban Outfitters

This mindfulness journal has a bit of a sassy side and will keep you surprised and entertained as you flip from page to page. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful coloring activity or a way to let some of your inner snark out, this is the book for you. And if you want more where that came from, there’s also a companion journal called “Let That Sh*t Go.”

Buy: Zen as F*ck: A Journal for Practicing the Mindful Art of Not Giving a Sh*t, $8.99 from Amazon

Though not a journal per se, ban.do’s wellness planner provides several useful prompts to help you get your life in order while also containing pages to jot down goals and log meal plans and fitness accomplishments. If you’re looking to up your self care game and get a little more active, it’s a great way to start.

Buy: Wellness Planer – Take Care, $30 from ban.do

If you’re a sucker for motivational phrases and wellness-related prompts, this journal will leave you feeling inspired. Filled with quotes and advice, it will get those creative wheels turning as you consider what you wish to reflect upon each time you open it up, and the peppy cover is sure to make you smile.

Buy: Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy: A Mindfulness Journal, $12.95 from Anthropologie

Reviewers love this multifaceted journal, which includes everything from writing prompts to colorful pages full of positive phrases. When you’re done filling it out, you can tear out and frame one of the quotes to keep on your desk as an inspiring reminder during stressful times.

Buy: Start Where You Are: A Journal for Self-Exploration, $9.59 from Amazon