"Should I start a journal or a diary?" It's a question many people ask when they're ready to begin a writing practice. While the words are often used interchangeably — and there's nothing wrong with that — understanding the traditional distinctions can help you clarify what you're looking for and find the approach that fits your life.
The Traditional Definitions
Historically, diaries and journals served different purposes, though these lines have blurred significantly over time.
What is a Diary?
A diary is traditionally a daily record of events and experiences. The word comes from the Latin "diarium," meaning "daily allowance" or "daily record." Classic diaries focus on:
- Daily entries: Recording what happened each day
- Chronological format: Entries are dated and sequential
- Personal experiences: What you did, who you saw, where you went
- Emotional reactions: How events made you feel
- Private reflection: Thoughts you wouldn't share publicly
Think of famous historical diaries: Anne Frank's diary, Samuel Pepys' diary of 17th-century London life, or the diary your younger self might have kept with a lock and key. These are records of daily life, often beginning with "Dear Diary" and describing the events of the day.
What is Journaling?
Journaling is a broader term that encompasses many types of reflective writing. While a diary is a specific type of journal, journaling itself can take many forms:
- Flexible format: Not necessarily daily or chronological
- Topic-focused: Often organized around themes, goals, or practices
- Intentional practice: Used as a tool for specific purposes
- Varied techniques: May include prompts, exercises, or structured approaches
Journaling can include gratitude journals, bullet journals, dream journals, travel journals, fitness journals, food journals, and dozens of other specialized formats.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Diary | Journal |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Typically daily | As needed or scheduled |
| Content | What happened today | Thoughts, goals, specific topics |
| Structure | Chronological, date-based | Varies widely |
| Purpose | Record and process daily life | Specific goals (creativity, healing, planning) |
| Tone | Personal, emotional, intimate | Can be analytical, creative, or personal |
| Looking back | Time capsule of your life | Reference for specific purposes |
Types of Journaling Practices
To illustrate the breadth of journaling, here are some popular approaches:
Gratitude Journal
Daily or regular entries focused on things you're thankful for. Research shows this practice improves happiness and wellbeing. Typically just 3-5 items per entry.
Bullet Journal
A customizable organization system combining to-do lists, calendars, and reflection. Uses rapid logging with symbols and short-form entries.
Morning Pages
Three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing done first thing in the morning. Popularized by Julia Cameron in "The Artist's Way" as a creativity tool.
Dream Journal
Recording dreams immediately upon waking. Used for self-discovery, creative inspiration, or lucid dreaming practice.
Reflective Journal
Processing specific experiences, decisions, or learning. Common in therapy, education, and professional development.
Travel Journal
Recording experiences, observations, and memories while traveling. Often includes sketches, ticket stubs, and ephemera.
Fitness/Health Journal
Tracking workouts, nutrition, symptoms, or health goals. Data-focused with some reflection.
Art Journal
Combining visual art with writing. Collage, drawing, painting, and mixed media alongside words.
A Diary is a Type of Journal
Here's the key insight: a diary is simply one specific type of journal. When you keep a diary, you're journaling — you're just journaling in a particular way (daily, chronological, personal).
So if someone asks whether they should "journal or keep a diary," the real question is: "What kind of journaling practice do I want?"
Which Should You Choose?
The best choice depends on your goals, personality, and lifestyle. Here's a guide to help you decide:
Choose a Diary If You:
- Want to remember your life: Diaries create a detailed record you can look back on years later
- Enjoy daily routines: The daily rhythm of diary-keeping can be grounding
- Process through storytelling: Narrating your day helps you make sense of experiences
- Value emotional expression: Diaries are traditionally a space for unfiltered feelings
- Want simplicity: No special techniques or structures to learn
Choose Goal-Focused Journaling If You:
- Have specific objectives: Improving gratitude, processing trauma, boosting creativity
- Prefer structure: Prompts and frameworks help you get started
- Don't want daily pressure: Some journaling practices work fine with less frequency
- Like variety: You can mix and match techniques based on your needs
- Want targeted benefits: Different journaling methods produce different results
Or Just... Start Writing
Honestly? The distinction matters less than actually doing it. Many people's practices naturally blend elements of both. You might start with "here's what happened today" (diary) and drift into "here's what I want to achieve this month" (journal).
The labels aren't as important as the practice itself.
How Modern Apps Blur the Lines
Digital diary and journal apps have made the distinction even less relevant. Modern apps like Hello Diary support multiple approaches:
- Daily entries with timestamps (diary-style)
- Prompts and exercises (journal-style)
- Mood tracking (health journal)
- Voice recording (verbal processing)
- Photos and media (visual journaling)
- Tags and search (topical organization)
You can keep a traditional diary one day and do a gratitude exercise the next. The flexibility of digital tools means you don't have to choose one approach forever.
Can You Do Both?
Absolutely. Many people maintain multiple practices:
- A daily diary for recording life events
- A separate gratitude practice
- A bullet journal for planning and organization
- Morning pages for creativity
Or you can combine them in a single practice. Start each entry with what happened (diary), then add what you're grateful for (gratitude journal), then reflect on what you learned (reflective journal).
There are no rules. Your practice should serve you.
A Brief History of Diaries and Journals
The practice of personal writing has ancient roots:
- Ancient Rome: Commonplace books recorded quotes, ideas, and observations
- Japan, 10th century: "Pillow books" recorded personal thoughts and observations
- Medieval Europe: Religious journals documented spiritual practices
- 17th century: Personal diaries became popular among the educated class
- 19th century: Diary-keeping became widespread, especially among women and travelers
- 20th century: Therapeutic journaling emerged as a psychological tool
- 21st century: Digital apps made personal writing more accessible and private than ever
Throughout history, people have turned to personal writing for the same reasons we do today: to remember, to understand, to process, and to grow.
The Benefits of Both Approaches
Whether you call it a diary or a journal, regular personal writing offers profound benefits:
Cognitive Benefits
- Improved memory and recall
- Better problem-solving abilities
- Enhanced creativity and idea generation
- Clearer thinking and decision-making
Emotional Benefits
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Better emotional processing and regulation
- Increased self-awareness
- Improved mood and outlook
Practical Benefits
- A record of your life and growth
- Tracking progress toward goals
- Identifying patterns and triggers
- A private space for honest reflection
Getting Started: Your First Entry
Regardless of which approach you choose, here's how to begin:
- Choose your medium: Paper, app, or voice recording
- Pick a time: Morning, evening, or whenever works
- Start small: Just 5 minutes or a few sentences
- Write honestly: This is for you, not an audience
- Be consistent: The habit matters more than the length
If you're drawn to the diary approach, try: "Today I..." and describe what happened and how you felt.
If you prefer structured journaling, try: "Right now I'm feeling... because..." or "Three things I'm grateful for are..."
The Bottom Line
Don't let the terminology stop you from starting. Whether you call it a diary, journal, or just "my writing practice" — the important thing is to begin.
A diary is just one flavor of journaling. Try different approaches, combine elements that work for you, and let your practice evolve. There's no wrong way to do this. The only mistake is not starting at all.