Why journaling is my secret to staying grounded–and 10 guided journals that make it simple

This is the first journal I purchased after giving birth—and it has truly been an anchor within my first year of being a mom. Even now that my child is nearing the age of two, the reflections in this journal still do so much to ground me in my motherhood journey. The depth and intimacy of the questions really beckon you to get vulnerable with a lot of often unspoken topics in motherhood—from reflecting on your labor and delivery to addressing the changes within your marriage to thinking about how your parenting style differs from how you were parented. One thing I absolutely love is that this journal provides self-care check-ins, nourishment tips and even healthy recipes at the end of every section.

This guided journal is perfect for those busier moms who have so much on their plate, yet still want to carve out a few minutes for themselves. What I absolutely love about this journal is how quick and easy (yet still effective) it is. It sits on my nightstand, and a mere five minutes at the end of each day is enough to reflect on how the day went and set intentions for the next day. The prompts are the same for each day—having you reflect on how you felt, ways you made time for yourself, what you’re grateful for and how you plan to be intentional moving forward.

This postpartum journal was created with a group of certified therapists. Its purpose is to help women navigate their transitions of adding another being into their families. With prompts, therapy tips and postpartum resources, this guided journal offers a lot to help mothers along the way.

Not only are the illustrations in this postpartum journal a beautiful reminder of the motherhood experience, but the sections and thought-provoking questions really delve into the depths of how becoming a mom transforms you. From discussing the need for a “MotherNest” (a space for the mama to become) to reflecting on the moment that you feel you were birthed as a mother, this journal will take you to the innermost makings of your thoughts and emotions. And sometimes, that’s just what us mamas need.

If your journaling intention is more about creating a keepsake, the simple (but brilliant) Q&A a Day for Moms is just what you’re looking for. Each day provides a thoughtful question to answer in just a sentence or two. One year later, you’ll answer the same question again and over the course of five years, you’ll have created an heirloom–an heirloom that provides a window into your evolution as a mother and human.

Papier’s Gratitude journals make it easier to reflect on what you’re grateful for which is so important–especially when we get lost in the overwhelming chaos that often accompanies being a parent. With daily affirmations and space to reframe negative thoughts into positive ones, this journal can help to serve as a reminder that even in the midst of everything we may have going on, there is so much to be grateful for. They’re available in a wide variety of gorgeous covers and made with sustainably sourced paper and can even be personalized.

Yes, there’s science that says journaling can be beneficial for our mental health. But that doesn’t mean it’s easy to prioritize or even know where to start. Enter the brilliant Five Minute Journal from Intelligent Change. The self-professed “toothbrush for your mind”, it makes the process as simple as it can possibly be. With just a single page of guided fill-in-the blank gratitudes and reflections that repeat each day (three in the morning, two at night), it can help anyone unlock a deeper understanding of themselves and discover ways to make life a little happier as well.

Designed with guidance from licensed marriage and family therapist Mikki Harmon, Promptly Journal’s Peace of Mind Journal can help identify sources of anxiety and provide strategies for managing it. The prompts are thought-provoking but simple and laid out in a workbook sort of style which you can dedicate short bursts of time to each day. Throughout, you’ll find calming techniques and tools for managing triggers and stress as you gain more insight into them as a whole.

Part planner, part guided journal, The Happiness Planner is a stellar tool for balancing daily responsibilities while reconnecting with what brings joy. The thoughtfully designed daily pages offer inspirational quotes and gratitude prompts that encourage a few minutes of meaningful reflection each morning. If you’re someone who needs to organize tasks in order to clear your head and create the space for mindfulness, this is an approach you may find super helpful. And note the specific 100 day format. Research shows that it takes consistency to build a habit or shift a mindset–and 100 days is ideal for embedding a positive pattern into your life.

The BestSelf Self Journal, designed by entrepreneurs Allen Brouwer and Cathryn Lavery after their successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, is a 13-week planner that helps you break down big goals into daily steps without feeling overwhelmed. It gives you space for morning gratitude and evening reflection, plus it tracks your habits so you can see real progress over time. Many moms find it’s perfect for tackling those larger projects that always seem to get pushed aside in the daily rush, while the structured format keeps you focused on what matters most each day.