From chasing after goals to gaining self-confidence and gratitude, journaling just a few sentences daily can manifest big things in your personal life. If you suffer from anxiety or depression, journaling can also be a hugely beneficial addition to your self-care routine, allowing you to track mood swings and train your brain to think more positive thoughts. Yet despite the benefits of journaling (and all the celebs who do it), getting started can be tough: If staring at a blank page or screen gives you a serious case of writer’s block, you’re far from alone. Knowing how to begin can take practice, and that’s where the following series of prompts comes in. The list is long and varied—if one question doesn’t speak to you, try another. And if a prompt leads you to come up with a different question altogether to write about, that’s fine, too. As long as something on this list inspires you to put pen to paper (or finger to keypad) you’re headed in the right direction.
Try these daily journaling prompts
Hit the pause button on your busy life and reflect on the past 24 hours with these questions that will give you ample motivation to get the words flowing.
Prompts for gratitude journaling
Remembering what you’re thankful for in your life can help you gain perspective on other things that are less than perfect. These questions can get you started down that path.
Explore love journaling prompts
Feeling challenged by your love life? Trying to sort out your feelings for a romantic partner or figure out how to strengthen your partnership bond? The questions here can help you think it through in your journal.
Journal prompts to help expand your mind
If you’re on a mission to grow your understanding of the world and your role in it, these are a few thought starters to get those wheels turning.
Try these journaling prompts for self-discovery
How well do you really know yourself? Have you ever spent time trying to pinpoint exactly what you value in life? If you’re looking to learn a little more about who you really are, these questions are a good place to begin.
Identity-related journaling prompts
Understanding your roots—your culture, your family history—can give you a more complete picture when it comes time to make important decisions in your life. Use these questions as launching points to journaling sessions about your identity.
Cultivate mindfulness with these journaling prompts
Tapping into a mental state that’s all about the here-and-now is a great way to alleviate stress and anxiety. These prompts can help you find that mindful space.
Journaling prompts for self-improvement
Want to be an even better version of yourself? These journaling exercises can help you spot your weakest links and find ways to make yourself stronger.
Explore letter-writing journaling prompts
Sometimes, the best way to get yourself thinking about a topic is to imagine you’re writing a friend or acquaintance a letter about it. Use these journaling prompts to get yourself in the letter-writing mood.
Test these secret journaling prompts
Shh! What don’t you want anyone to know about you? What’s your guiltiest pleasure or deepest desire? Use these questions to help you dig deep below your surface (don’t worry, the only person reading the answers is you!).
Journaling prompts for living your best life
And finally, if you’re tired of merely surviving the daily grind and you’re ready to unlock ways to get more joy and satisfaction out of your existence, these are the questions you might want to explore. If you enjoy these journaling prompts and find writing about how you feel helps you get the most out of your life, check out 15 Anxiety Journals to Reduce Stress and Help You Feel a Little Calmer Right Now and get ready to take your journaling to the next level.
Sources
Kaiser Permanente: “7 Benefits to Keeping a Journal.”University of Rochester Medical Center: “Journaling for Mental Health.”
