Journals can be used for documenting different activities and aspects of life. Some creative writing journals to write in are bound with leather, others with cardboard or hemp. It is the information stored in the pages of these books which people often find most useful. Of course, the nicer the cover, the more likely the individual is going to want to use and share the book with others.

One important aspect of using a diary is in using the right type for each life event. For example, someone monitoring blood sugar may want to use one with a month, day and year heading. The individual then has a record to share with a health care provider when necessary. A daily log can also be a good reference to reflect back on which food and drink may have caused a spike or downfall in blood sugar readings.

Whereas, when keeping a regular diary of diet and exercise for weight control, these type headings are quite useful. By keeping this type journal, individuals have the ability to look back on past eating and drinking habits to determine past history. Whereas, if the information is merely written down, it can often be difficult to see what may have been the contributing factors to any change which may have occurred over time.

For those with Diabetes Type I, or II, who need to log blood sugar counts on a regular basis, this type journal can often be a life saver. Having a reference to products consumed between readings can often help these individuals know when to add or cut back on sugar content based on past and present readings. These individuals can look back on foods, drinks and activities which have caused a rise or fall in blood sugar. After which, the individuals can discuss these changes with a health care provider to better help monitor any ongoing medication or treatment.

Dream diaries, most often people who keep this type history will want to have a book with at least 95-100 blank pages. When each page is labeled with the month, year and date, it is easier to keep track of any inspiration for that may have inspired the dream. Other areas individuals may want to note is whether dreams were black and white or color, and, if events could actually happen or have happened in the past.

When simply using a booklet to write down thoughts for different writing projects, date references are not always necessary. The same is true for those who love to simply doodle or sketch. Most often, the type used for art like sketching, or simple note taking do not require a date reference.

While using an online journal is often a good idea when researching family history, it can often be difficult to use as a daily, weekly or monthly diary. When updated on a regular basis, these online sites can provide easier access to information. As such, each individual must decide which type works best when documenting different areas of life.

When logging information into any type of book, it is important that information be as true and correct as possible. Otherwise, it can often prove difficult to use the information as a resource. Whereas, if the information is accurate and well documented, one can often find resolutions used in the past which may prove useful in the future.