Journaling has been studied and proven to help relax us, reframe our thoughts and boost our moods. Some people find it helpful to journal when they wake up and others find it a reflective ritual after a long day. Whether you want to write your thoughts down or reflect on your way to or from school, these prompts will help you jumpstart introspective thinking that can make a difference in your wellbeing.
Daily writing prompt
What part of your routine do you always try to skip if you can?
Here are some previous writing prompts you may want to reflect on:
- What was the biggest lesson you learned in high school?
- List things you wish you knew before your first day of college?
- What stress management techniques do you currently use?
- How are you helping yourself when things are hard?
- Write a letter to your younger self, talking about mental health. What would you want to tell them?
- Do you allow yourself to feel the emotions you need to feel? Why or why not?
- What do you think is holding you back?
- Write a list of 10 things you want to be able to remember during your most difficult times.
- Which of the four elements (Earth, Air, Water, Fire) do you identify with? Explain why.
- Write a letter of forgiveness to yourself.
- What or who motivates you the most?
- Share an act of selflessness or kindness you did for someone. How did it feel to do this?
- What was your favorite story or book as a child? Why did you like it so much?
- What’s the most rewarding part of your work?
- What’s your favorite part of your day?
- Which parts of your daily life cause the most stress or frustration? How do you cope with them?
- In your opinion, what is the best song ever written?
- If you could know one thing about the future, what would it be?
- What is something you feel nervous about right now?
- What is your happiest memory?
- What is something that you did that you are proud of?
- I get mad when…
- What calms you down when you get mad or upset?