If you’re like most people, the busyness of your life ebbs and flows. Sometimes, things are easy, with few plans and worries. Other times, you find yourself squeezing activities into every minute, leaving you physically, mentally and emotionally drained. Don’t let vacations fool you – even they can be exhausting!
If this rings true, a quiet moment of journaling self-reflections in the morning can be beneficial. Journaling has been validated by many studies for its health benefits. It can relieve anxiety, lower blood pressure and also provide a sense of stability, calm and general well-being. Writing out reflective responses to intentional prompts can help you answer meaningful questions fully and honestly.
So, grab your morning coffee, a pen and paper, and let’s get writing!
15 journaling prompt ideas to start your day:
- What is one thing, no matter how big or small, that you are looking forward to today?
- How would you like to feel today?
- Who is someone you admire? Why do you admire them? What is one thing you can do today to exhibit this quality to someone else?
- What is one thing you are learning right now?
- What is one thing you hope to learn in the next year?
- What are you curious about right now? Is this something you would like to set a goal around?
- What is something you have taught someone else?
- Reflect on the last week. What were five things that made you laugh or smile?
- How can you brighten someone else’s day today?
- How can someone else support you today or this week? How can you communicate this to them?
- What is a way you have supported someone else recently? How could you support yourself in a similar way?
- What is one realistic way you can alleviate a stressor today?
- Describe eight qualities you appreciate about yourself.
- Look back on the last six months. What is one thing you are proud of yourself for?
- Describe a time that brought you genuine joy. How could you recreate a similar moment?
Self-reflection is a muscle we don’t tend to tap into unless we’re intentional about it. Use journaling as a self-care tool or a type of meditation. Answer one prompt a day and watch the stress melt away!
American College of Education offers a variety of programs in education, leadership, nursing and healthcare.
