There’s something sacred about the quiet time of morning—before your phone starts buzzing and you start worrying about your to-do list. For me, those first few minutes of stillness can be everything.
Instead of diving headfirst into the day, I like to sit with a cup of coffee and jot in my journal. Just few minutes of writing helps me tune in, reset, and start the day with intention. And while you don’t need anything fancy to begin journaling, I’ve found that using the right tools makes it so much easier to build a healthy habit and enjoy it.
(This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.)
With that being said, these are my 5 best journaling tools for building a mindful morning writing routine. A couple I even created myself.
Why Morning Journaling Works (and Why You Should Try It)
Journaling in the morning sets a positive tone for your entire day. It helps you:
- Check in with how you’re feeling
- Get clear on what’s most important today
- Clear out mental fog or lingering anxiety
- Practice mindfulness and gratitude with very little effort
Plus, when you journal first thing, you’re less likely to forget or push it off. It becomes a grounding ritual. One that centers you before the chaos begins.
Many people find that using mindfulness journaling exercises in the morning helps them stay more present and focused all day long. They can be an anchoring thought you can carry with you throughout the day.
My Top Picks: 5 Best Journaling Tools for Mindful Mornings
1. Be Free to Speak Your Truth – Classic Lined Journal
View on Amazon — $6.97
This is the journal I created when I wanted just a simple mechanism for my daily writing. It’s compact (6″x9″), lightweight, and features a bold but gentle reminder on the cover: “Fill your pages with the breathing of your heart” -William Wadsworth
Inside, it’s all lined pages—nothing to distract or overwhelm. It’s perfect for free-writing, quick reflections, morning gratitude, or daily affirmations.
If you’re starting out or restarting your journaling habit, this is my go-to recommendation. It’s affordable and no-pressure, which makes it easy to just open it up and write.
2. Shadow Work Journal – Powerful Mindfulness Journaling Exercises
Check it out — $9.97
Shadow work is all about exploring the parts of ourselves we usually avoid or ignore. I created this journal as a guide for that work. It includes structured prompts, reflection questions, and gentle challenges that help you grow and not just vent.
If you’re ready to go deeper in your morning writing routine and discover more about yourself, this journal will support you. This journal is a safe place to unpack your thoughts and feelings in a grounded, mindful way.
This is more than just a journal; it’s a self-discovery tool.
3. Leather Journal – A Ritual Worth Keeping
See on Amazon — $19.99
If you’re a tactile person, this journal will speak to you. The leather-bound cover adds a sense of weight and significance to your practice. It makes journaling feel like a ritual instead of a routine. Something you can’t wait to return to each morning.
This is a great journal for when you’re traveling or journaling during major life transitions. There’s something about the feel of it that gives it power, helps one savor the moment, and take time with your thoughts.
It also makes a great gift for someone you love who would benefit from journaling.
Best Pens for Morning Journaling
No journaling setup is complete without pens that flow. These two are my favorites:
4. BIC Pilot Premium Roller Pens – Everyday Simplicity
Grab a pack — $6.59
These are the pens I reach for almost every day. They’re reliable, smooth, and don’t smudge or skip—even when I’m writing quickly.
You don’t have to overthink your writing tool. Sometimes, a basic pen that works is exactly what you need to stay in the flow.
5. Liquid Ink Rollerball Pens – For Satisfying Flow
View on Amazon — $12.99
Want your pen to feel as intentional as your journal? This is it.
These rollerball pens have a smooth, satisfying glide that makes writing feel almost meditative. These are perfect when you want to get into a more creative writing sessions, like journaling your feelings or visually journaling (yes, you can use pictures when journaling as well).
They’re also great for people who have trouble staying focused. A good pen really can make you want to write more.
Mindfulness Journaling Exercises for Your Morning
Here are some extras I’d like to share. Three prompts you can use when you want to ground yourself at the start of the day:
- What am I feeling right now—and what would I like to feel today? Name it without judgment. Awareness is the first step toward intention.
- What is one small thing I can do today to care for myself? Keep it tiny. A glass of water. A walk around the block. Turning off your phone for 10 minutes.
- What am I grateful for this morning? This can be as simple as “sunlight on my face” or “a good night’s sleep.”
Want these prompts in a printable format? ? Download my free 3-day guided journaling PDF here
How to Choose the Best Journaling Tool for You
Your ideal journaling setup depends on your preferences. Here’s how to choose:
- New to journaling? Start with something simple, like the Classic Lined Journal.
- Ready to explore deeper emotions? Try the Shadow Work Journal.
- Love the feeling of ritual and texture? Go with the Leather Journal.
- Write a lot or fast? Use a smooth-flowing pen that won’t slow you down.
- Want to stay motivated? Choose tools that feel good in your hand and on your desk.
The best journaling tool is the one that encourages you to show up consistently.
What Tools Support Your Morning Practice?
Are you already journaling in the morning? What’s your go-to notebook or pen?
Or if you’re just starting out, which of these tools do you think you’ll try?
Drop a comment – I’d love to hear what’s working for you.
Stay grounded,
Scott
Founder of JournalingMeditation.com
Affiliate Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases – at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting this blog and helping keep the journaling practice alive for others!
