How to keep an online diary
An online diary works the same as a paper one, just more portable and harder to lose.Keeping an online diary isn't complicated. Pick a tool, write regularly, and don't overthink it. Here's the practical stuff:
Pick something simple
You have options: dedicated apps like Day One, Journey, or OhDiary; note apps like Apple Notes or Google Keep; or document tools like Notion. They all work. Pick whatever you'll actually open consistently. Features matter less than friction – if it's annoying to use, you won't use it.
Find a time that works
Morning before the day takes over, or evening when you can reflect on what happened. Whatever fits your schedule. The time matters less than being consistent about it. Even five minutes counts.
Don't edit yourself
It's a diary, not a publication. Write messy. Write boring days. Write half-thoughts. The point is capturing what's in your head, not producing something polished. You're the only audience.
Use search later
One advantage of digital: you can search your old entries. Wondering how you felt about something last year? When something started? What you were doing six months ago? Just search for it. Paper can't do that.
Keep it private
Use password protection or biometric lock. Your diary should be safe to write honestly in. If there's any chance someone else might see it, you'll hold back – and then what's the point?
Don't break the chain
Consistency matters more than length. One sentence on a busy day is better than nothing. When you skip a day, just pick back up without guilt. The habit survives small gaps; it dies from giving up after gaps.