Favorite Journaling Prompts & Exercises

April 16, 2023

This is the sister post to one of our earlier ones: "How to Journal."

Check it out, here >>>

So today, it's less of an actual post and more of a list. But a very useful, worth-reading list of the best and most popular journaling prompts and exercises I could find.

These writing helps can help you develop a more regular journaling practice and explore different aspects of yourself and your life (or to change things up in your journaling routine and try something different). 

Mix and match and don't forget to let me know if you have a favorite!

Our Favorite Journaling Prompts

*For personal favorites.  

*What are you grateful for today/this week/this month?

*What are some big goals you're working on and how are you going to make them happen?

Write about a challenge you've faced and how you overcame it. (Not my favorite. It reminds me too much of college application letters. But from what I researched a lot of people enjoy this prompt, so have at it.)

*Describe your ideal day from start to finish.

What is a fear you have and how can you overcome it?

Write about a person who has had a positive impact on your life.

What are your key strengths and weaknesses?

What are some things you'd like to improve about yourself? (Remember, keep it positive, people.)

*Write about a time when you felt proud of yourself.

Describe a difficult decision you had to make and how you came to your conclusion.

*Write about a book, movie, or song that had a significant impact on you and why. (When I watch/read something I really like sometimes I'll write about it if there's no one to tell. Kind of reads like a movie review.)

What are some things that bring you joy and how can you incorporate more of them into your life?

Write about a dream you've had recently and what you think it might mean.

What are some things you'd like to accomplish in the next year?

Describe a person you admire and why they inspire you.

Write about a moment in your life that you'll never forget.

What are some things that make you feel calm and relaxed?

Write about a place you've always wanted to visit and why.

Describe a time when you felt overwhelmed and how you coped with it.

What are some things you're looking forward to in the near future?

Our Favorite Journaling Exercises

Morning Pages: Write three pages of stream-of-consciousness writing first thing in the morning. This helps clear your mind and get your thoughts out onto paper.

Gratitude Journaling: Write down three things you're grateful for each day. This helps you focus on the positive.

Self-Reflection: Reflect on your day or week. What went well, what didn't go well, and what did you learn?

Letter Writing: Write a letter to someone (or even yourself) that you never intend to send. This can be a powerful way to express your thoughts and feelings.

Creative Writing: Write a short story, poem, or free-form piece about anything that interests you.

Goal Setting: Write down your goals and the steps you plan to take to achieve them.

Mindfulness Journaling: Write about a specific experience, such as walking in nature or listening to music, and reflect on how it made you feel.

Affirmations: Write down positive affirmations and repeat them to yourself each day.

Problem Solving: Write about a problem you're facing and brainstorm possible solutions.

Self-Care: Write about the things you're doing to take care of yourself, such as exercise, healthy eating, or meditation.

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