Journaling Prompts

Research shows us that journaling has many positive effects on our mental health. Journaling will impact each person differently, but there are benefits which everyone will experience if they journal: clarity on thoughts and feelings, knowing oneself better, reducing stress, and problem solving.

Even if individuals do not journal every day, it can be beneficial to journal every once in a while, maybe once a week or once every two weeks. Not everyone is able to sit down and start writing whatever comes to their minds, as they might need some sort of prompt or topic to write about. This is why I wanted to suggest a few different prompts, in hopes there is one that sparks your interest.

1. The most inspirational person in my life is _______ because…
2. Three words my friends would use to describe me are _______.
3. My dream job is _______.
4. Today I am incredibly grateful for _______ . (make a list of at least 5 things)
5. One particular instance in my life that made me indescribably happy was _______.
6. Today I learned this about myself _______.
7. Today I learned this about the world _______.
8. The quality I love most about myself is _______.
9. One person in my life who I feel completely comfortable with is _______. (describe one story you have had with this person that makes you smile)
10. Whenever I am stressed/anxious I use this coping mechanism _______.
11. Describe the last time you laughed so hard you cried _______.
12. My favorite book(s) is _______ because…
13. The number one thing on my bucket list is _______.
14. The greatest risk I have taken in my life thus far is _______.
15. My perfect day would be _______.
16. My favorite memory from my childhood is _______.
17. I am incredibly passionate about _______.
18. I am unique and beautiful because _______.
19. I have the most energy when _____.
20. Sometimes I just need to hear _______.

I hope you find these prompts helpful. If you do not already, I highly recommend you start journaling. It is incredibly beneficial to dedicate even a little bit of your time to think and process your day, week, or month. If there are different prompts you use, I’d love to hear what they are, so don’t hesitate to share!

Resources:

https://psychcentral.com/blog/30-journaling-prompts-for-self-reflection-and-self-discovery/

https://www.radicaltransformationproject.com/

https://nerdknowslife.com/2018/06/05/50-therapeutic-journal-prompts-for-mental-health/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling/

Katie Zimmerman, Project Coordinator for The Kim Foundation

Katie Zimmerman joined The Kim Foundation in June 2019. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies and Sociology from Central College in Pella, Iowa. During her time in college, she volunteered at many non-profits organizations and took multiple sociology classes which focused on mental health. Katie’s role at The Kim Foundation includes running the social media accounts, assisting in the Youth Advisory Council, and providing mental health awareness and education to the community through A Voice for Hope and Healing presentations.