I bought TikTok’s favorite self-care journal to help manifest my best life

I’ve always been skeptical of wellness trends — especially viral social media wellness trends. Between food and workout trends that are just diet culture in disguise and unrealistic routines that promise to change your life (like getting up at 5 a.m.), I’m exhausted.

However, I am not OK. And I’m totally fine and comfortable with admitting that! I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life and have had recent health and family issues that have exacerbated them. To find some control in my life, my therapist suggested journaling. I’m a writer by trade, surely I can journal, right?

While scrolling through my FYP one day, I went against my better judgment and bought into a TikTok wellness trend: The Five Minute Journal.

Unlike other wellness and self-care products that I roll my eyes at, the journal seemed different. First, it’s incredibly structured and guided, which is great because my life lacks structure. Second, it was only $25 — and it’s pretty. Like, really pretty. If it didn’t help, at least I’d have a pretty journal on my nightstand, right? I bought it.

The Five Minute Journal, $24.99 (Orig. $29.99)

Credit: Amazon

The idea behind the Five Minute Journal is that you start your day with a moment of appreciation and then end your day with a moment of self-reflection. Each page features the following writing prompts:

In the morning:

  1. I am grateful for…
  2. What would make today great?
  3. Daily affirmation

In the evening:

  1. Highlights of the Day
  2. What did I learn today?
Credit: Amazon

So, like, does daily gratitude practice actually work? According to my therapist and TikTok, yes. Even the researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health suggest having a daily gratitude practice.

The jury’s still out on me, though. Honestly, it’s hard to practice gratitude daily! Especially when life is stressful, and routines are nonexistent. Still, I have committed to taking a brief moment every morning with my coffee to find gratitude and every evening in bed to reflect.

As far as any tips or tricks, I don’t have many! Journaling is an intensely personal art — even one as structured as the Five Minute Journal. What I can tell you is this: Don’t get too hung up on what you’re writing down. It can be as deep or silly as you need in that moment. No one’s grading this, so just write down your truth.

Full disclosure, I’m still trying to take my own advice! Still, I am excited about this brief routine. In my incredibly chaotic life and unhappy brain, it’s comforting.

In terms of aesthetics (which is also very important), every Five Minute Journal is made using recyclable, sustainably sourced paper with a natural linen fabric cover. It also comes in a variety of colors. While the original neutral colorway is definitely TikTok’s favorite, I went with the deep green shown below.

The Five Minute Journal, $28.99

Credit: Amazon

The Five Minute Journal, $28.99

Credit: Amazon

The Five Minute Journal, $28.99

Credit: Amazon

The Five Minute Journal, $28.99

Credit: Amazon

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