Sunday, 2 August 2026, 17:25
Daniel Toy for CNN Underscored
Try these trusted stationery picks that helped a long-term diarist build habits and track mood and fitness. Small choices turned into durable daily rituals
As noted by CNN
The author has been journaling for more than twenty years and shares thirty-three favorite stationery items that have become reliable companions in daily recording of thoughts, planning, and tracking progress in health and fitness
Thanks to these items, the author has been able to develop a creative approach, achieve more goals, reduce bad habits, and lift mood through mood trackers. Personal experience confirms the benefits of regular journaling for mental health and productivity
“The one thing that separates us from animals,” says Clairee Belcher from “Steel Magnolias”, “is our ability to accessorize.”
– Clairee Belcher
If you’re curious about where to start or how to improve your own journaling practice, it’s worth knowing: there is no bad time or wrong way to begin. Choose a convenient notebook or planner, pick a style, and allow yourself to experiment – over time you’ll find your own unique methods
How to choose notebooks and planners
When choosing, pay attention to size (portable A6 or desktop A4), thickness (one thick journal or a series of smaller ones), exterior appearance (sturdy cover or soft), color and style of pages (dotted, grid, plain or ruled). Try several options to understand what suits you, and use less conspicuous notebooks for less significant tasks
Notebooks and Journals
- Traveler’s Company Designphil A5 Slim Blank Spiral Notebook, 2-Pack
- Moleskine Squared/Grid Classic Hardcover Notebook
- Designphil Midori Dot Square A5 Notebook
- Mishmash Naked A5 Blank Notebook in Orange
- Paperage Dotted Journal Notebook
Notebooks for Health and Fitness
- Chasing Red Flags ‘Let’s Get Real’ Wellness Journal
- Plum Paper Custom Planner
- Hobonichi Techo 2025 Planner
- Rocketbook Dotted Core Reusable Spiral Notebook
Pens and Pencils
- Uniball 0.7mm Zento Gel Pens, 4-Pack
- Pilot Kakuno Beginner Fountain Pen With Medium Nib
- Sakura Pigma Micron 05 Black Pens
- Kaweco Classic Sport Fountain Pen
- Colorverse Fountain Pen Ink Mini Collection, Set of 3
- Tombow Mono Graph Zero Mechanical Pencil in Lime
Highlighters and Markers
- Zebra Mildliner Fluorescent Set, Set of 5
- Sharpie S-Note Creative Markers, Set of 12
- Tombow Dual Brush Pens Tropical Palette, Set of 10
Accessories
- Soolla Studio Bag in ’80s Windbreaker
- Soultopxin Adjustable Desktop Bookshelf
- U Brands Bright and Happy Binder Clips, 25-Count
- Kodak Mini 2 Retro 4Pass Portable Photo Printer Bundle
- Lochby Field Journal and Quattro Bundle
- Delfonics Inner Carrying Case
- Mr. Pen Pastel Harmony Washi Tape, Set of 10
- Punluxu Wooden Washi Tape Organizer
Other Useful Tools and Tips
Journaling thoughts can be combined with various formats: junk and ephemera for keeping stickers, photos, and ephemera; monthly, weekly, and daily schedules with calendars and task lists; as well as habit and mood trackers for monitoring progress. Such practices help you better understand your own needs and boost daily productivity
Daily pages are useful not only for artists but for anyone who wants to structure thoughts and plan actions. The key is to take the first step and enjoy the process
In practical tips, the concept of morning pages is mentioned – three handwritten pages without censorship that help creatively work through thoughts and moods. It also emphasizes that brain dumps – writing down thoughts in any format throughout the day – help relieve pressure and preserve mental clarity
Through mood and habit tracking you can better understand how sleep, nutrition, exercise, and other factors affect your well-being. Personal experience using various tools can serve as a roadmap for your daily routine
Each item in this collection is based on the author’s experience and the feedback of experts in the stationery field, making them useful for both beginners and seasoned users. The key is to start and stick to your own rhythm, because a journal can become a
From this collection you can easily pick tools that best fit your lifestyle and needs. The important thing is to enjoy the process and maintain consistency in practice
In conclusion, regardless of the approach chosen, a diary can become a reliable ally on the path to creativity, self-reflection, and achieving goals. It’s worth starting today by choosing a convenient tool and gradually building the habit
