Our choice for best overall is the BestSelf Co. Self Journal, a durable planner that also includes space for logging gratitude, daily reflections, and tracking goals. Here are the best journals for introspection, wellness goals, productivity, and more. If you’ve already heard of self-journaling, then you’ve probably stumbled upon this company. The BestSelf Co. SELF Journal is one of the most popular and robust self-journals you can buy, and it’s not hard to see why it has so many fans. Taken at face value, it’s a daily planner that helps you increase productivity in your personal and professional life. But it’s also so much more than that. This journal is divided into three sections: daily, weekly and monthly. It spans 13 weeks—far less intimidating than a yearly planner—and isn’t dated, so you can start anytime. Each day you can chronicle your to-dos, your goals, your lessons learned, and even your evening gratitude, giving you a chance to look introspectively at your life as you reach your long-term and short-term goals. And at just 8.25 x 5.5 inches, the SELF Journal is incredibly easy to travel with and keep with you on the go. Price at time of publish: $32 Format: Undated | Page Count: Not listed | Dimensions: 5.75 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds The journal is perfect for your bedside. The woven hardcover not only looks great, but it’s also firm enough to write in without a surface. It also has a ribbon bookmark, so you’ll always know exactly where you are in your practice. Price at time of publish: $29 Format: Undated | Page Count: 268 | Dimensions: ‎5.8 x 8.3 inches | Weight: Not listed There’s no shortage of space, either. Each notebook comes with 251 numbered writing pages with a dot grid to make bullet journaling easier, plus eight perforated pages, a blank table of contents, and a folder to keep any loose paper and extras organized. Price at time of publish: $23 Format: Undated | Page Count: 251 | Dimensions: 5.75 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 14.9 ounces Interspersed throughout the notebook are helpful tips and notes from therapists, along with useful literature on the importance of things like mindfulness, quality sleep, and positive relationships in managing anxiety. It also includes an appendix of CBT basics and techniques—making this a journal that you’ll want to come back to long after completing all of its entries. Price at time of publish: $38 Format: Undated | Page Count: 270 | Dimensions: 8 x 5 inches | Weight: Not listed Price at time of publish: $7 Format: Undated | Page Count: 118 | Dimensions: 6 x 9 inches | Weight: 5.9 ounces Though it won’t help you remember that doctor’s appointment next Tuesday, this pop art-inspired notebook is the perfect place to come—not to mention how good it’ll look on your desk. Price at time of publish: $17 Format: Undated | Page Count: 144 | Dimensions: 6.25 x 8.5 inches | Weight: 11.3 ounces This journal has 90 days’ worth of pages to help you set your intentions, record thoughts, and track habits. The pages are undated, so you can start and stop whenever you need to, and the journal measures about 5 x 8 inches for convenient portability. The cover also has a beautiful and relaxing graphic of a plant that will look great on your nightstand or desktop. Price at time of publish: $17 Format: Undated | Page Count: 184 | Dimensions: 5.75 x 8.25 inches | Weight: 14.4 ounces Price at time of publish: $10 Format: Undated | Page Count: 132 | Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 15 ounces Price at time of publish: $11 Format: Undated | Page Count: 121 | Dimensions:  6 x 9 inches | Weight: 7 ounces

Format

Think about what type of format would best support you and your goals. Do you need a lot of guidance to get the task done every day? If so, consider a journal with daily prompts. But if you’re the more creative type and want the space to let your thoughts flow, look for a journal with plenty of blank space for reflection. In general, undated journals provide more flexibility, but some find dated options help keep them accountable.

Design

Select a design that appeals to you. If you like the way your journal looks, you’ll be more drawn to it each day. Do you like a softcover journal with a more fanciful cover design, or do you prefer a hardcover notebook with a simpler aesthetic that looks clean on your nightstand? When it comes to the overall aesthetic, it’s all about personal preference. Just remember: In general, hardcover notebooks and journals tend to be more durable, but softcovers are thinner and lighter, making them easier to transport.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was researched and edited by Brigitt Earley, a writer and editor who has been writing product reviews for The Spruce since 2018. When researching picks for this article, she read dozens of product reviews on both retailer and third-party sites. She also spoke with Holly Chapman, Head of Global PR for Papier, for further insight.