75 ways to pause, reflect, and feel at ease
If you are feeling overwhelmed, these journal prompts for mental health will help you slow down, unwind, and destress. A study found that 47% of people reduced stress levels after journaling over time. Even writing 15-20 minutes a couple of times a week showed improvements in individuals' emotions and stress. Journaling can also lead to a 5-15% reduction in depressive symptoms in groups. Take a couple of minutes to grab a cute journal, a pen, and find a comfy, relaxing spot to unwind and get your thoughts out on paper. This could be a place in your home, a person you feel at home with, a coffee shop, or any place that resonates with you. I personally love any spot in my room, whether it's curled up with a blanket in my bed, cozied up in a desk chair, or even sitting on the floor. These 75 journal prompts for mental help will help you reset and feel calm. Find the ones that resonate with you, wether youve written about them in the past or just want to try out new ones. Journaling has little to no rules; make it your own and do what works for you. You don’t have to write alone; you can pick up a friend and do this together. Feel free to talk about your feelings out loud if you feel comfortable. This can, over time, make talking about your feelings feel easier and not as daunting as it is for many. Journaling reduces repetitive negative thoughts by up to 20 to 30% overtime. Doing this simple task for around 15 minutes each day really can make a difference in your life. This also improves trauma, PTSD, and psychological improvement. If it’s not your jam, don’t do it, but just give it more than one chance. It takes time to get into a routine and feel at ease. Even though it sounds just like writing, it takes time to adjust to doing it. Personally, I love journaling, and I have a ton of friends who do it every single day, and it has genuinely just made a big impact on their lives and say nothing but good things. You could do this in a journal or on a computer, anything that you can use to get your thoughts out. Haven State offers notepads, journals, and writing accessories that make journaling feel so much better. Feel free to use these journal prompts for your daily reset. Block out a time in your day to get this done, and some days that might not happen, but just try your best.
List 5 gratitudes.
Describe what you see right now.
Describe what you feel right now.
Describe a situation that makes you feel anxious.
How can you be calmer today?
What tricks will you use to stay calm today?
What causes anxiety today?
What did you think about this morning?
What do you need to let go of?
What happens in your body when you’re feeling anxious?
Imagine what you would do if the worst-case scenario happened? Rationalize the scenario.
Think of the best-case scenario.
What are the things you can control?
What are the things you can’t control?
What could you do right now to feel happier?
When was the last time you did something for yourself?
What do you worry about?
What is going well in your life?
What would you do if you weren’t anxious?
How do you deal with anxiety?
What is holding you back?
Write a conversation between yourself and your anxiety.
Write about the solution to your current problem.
Write about your current fear and how you’re planning to face it.
What fear did you overcome?
What have you accomplished this week?
What is your biggest strength?
How do you cheer yourself up?
Tell us about your greatest gift.
What inspires you to be better?
What do you like the most about your routine?
Tell us about your resilience.
When you think about the future, what are you most excited about?
What abilities can help you stay calm?
Name 3 positive things you’ve done this week that made your life better.
Name 3 reasons why you deserve to be happy.
What does calm mean to you?
What does anxiety mean to you?
When was the last time you were brave?
Write 3 positive affirmations.
Find one thing you can do today to take care of your mental health.
Tell us about your perfect day.
What activities make you feel better?
Rewrite 3 negative thoughts into 3 positive thoughts.
How can you treat yourself?
How can you feel more confident today?
What would you do if you were more confident?
What is the best thing you’ve ever done for yourself?
When was the last time you felt strong?
How can you inspire others?
How do you welcome a new opportunity?
What new thing have you tried lately?
What do you wear when you feel good about yourself?
What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?
Write a pep talk to yourself.
What would you say to your inner child to reassure him/her?
When do you feel the most at peace?
What would you do if you weren’t afraid?
Write about a peaceful moment.
Write about a happy moment.
What beliefs keep you from going after your dreams?
What happens when you feel overwhelmed?
What is one thing you keep thinking about?
What thing do you struggle to let go of? Why?
What needs to change in your life?
What keeps you up at night?
I’m anxious to admit that…
I’m trying to avoid…
I can’t deal with…
I’ll be calm when…
I’ll feel better as long as I…
I wish I wasn’t afraid of…
What relationship do you have with your anxiety?
What is something you tell yourself?
How do you de-stress?
If you take the time and start good habits and routines, you will be able to improve your mental health and see lasting impacts on your daily life. Get a friend to write with you, and turn it into something you want to do that pushes you to be a better person. There are many ways to de-stress and get your thoughts out, but it can be challenging and feel like you have nobody you can turn to, talk to, or even just feel scared too. It's important that you take time for yourself and allow yourself to be vulnerable and authentic. Without judgment and feelings surrounding the uncertainty. If you are ever feeling alone, remember your journal, your happy place, and do what comforts you the most. Enjoy the now, live in the moment, and spend time with yourself to remember that you are valued and deserve to live your best life.
