Why I've Been Using the 5 Minute Journal Every Day Since 2022
Photo by Sincerely Media on Unsplash
A few years ago, I would have laughed if someone told me five minutes a day could change how I see the world. Yet here I am — still journaling every morning and night, and loving it.
I first started using an app called The 5 Minute Journal back in December 2022, and what began as a small experiment has quietly become one of my most consistent habits. It’s quick, simple, and surprisingly powerful in helping me stay grounded, positive, and mindful.
As the name suggests, it only takes about five minutes — a few in the morning, and a few before bed — but those minutes make a real difference in how I think and feel.
The idea is beautifully simple. Each morning, the app gives you a few short prompts to fill in:
- Three things I’m grateful for
- What would make today great?
- Daily affirmation
It sounds straightforward, but the effect is huge. Writing down three things I’m grateful for immediately shifts my focus — it might be something small like a good cup of coffee, a sunny morning, or a message from a friend. Those little positives set the tone for the day ahead.
The next part — “What would make today great?” — helps me focus on what really matters. It’s a small act of planning, but instead of a to-do list, it’s more about intention. Maybe it’s finishing a project, staying calm, or spending quality time with someone I care about.
Then comes the daily affirmation — a short statement to anchor my mindset. I often use something like “I choose to live in an easy world where everything flows with ease.” It sounds simple, but repeating it each day helps me stay grounded and positive, even when things don’t go perfectly.
In the evening, the app prompts me to reflect:
- Three amazing things that happened today
- How could I have made today even better?
This little reflection helps me end the day on a high note. It’s a gentle reminder that even on an ordinary day, there are always moments worth noticing — a good laugh, a lovely walk, or ticking something off my list. And the last question isn’t about self-criticism; it’s about learning and improving, one small step at a time.
What I love most is that it’s quick, easy, and never feels like a chore. I’ve tried journaling in lots of forms, but this one fits neatly into my life. It keeps me focused on gratitude, helps me start the day positively, and wind down feeling content and reflective.
Another thing I love about the app is how personal it feels. You can add up to four photos to each entry, which turns it into a mini visual diary — a lovely way to capture small everyday moments. Every morning, a random past entry pops up which often brings back wonderful days from the past - little moments I might have forgotten but still make me smile.
Since I started journaling, my mindset has changed completely. Taking a few minutes each day to focus on gratitude has made me calmer, kinder, and far less caught up in the “it’s all about me” way of thinking. I notice more of the good things around me and feel more grounded in everyday life. It’s amazing how something so simple can shift how you see the world.
💬 Have you tried journaling before?
I’d love to hear what works for you — whether you prefer an app, a notebook, or just a quiet moment of reflection. If you’d like to try The 5 Minute Journal yourself, you can find it below:
📱 Download on the App Store 🤖 Get it on Google Play
📘 Buy on Amazon (UK) 📘 Buy on Amazon (US)
If this post inspires you to start journaling, tag me or share how it goes — I’d love to hear your reflections and how gratitude fits into your day.
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