Journaling Prompts I Swear By to Handle My Feelings

Initially revealed in March 2020

There is no such thing as a higher option to perceive the way in which you suppose and what’s going by way of your head than to journal. The issue I’ve discovered is that the act of journaling is so open-ended that when it’s most helpful for me to do it, I keep away from it.

Sound acquainted? If this is likely one of the roadblocks you face on the subject of journaling, this put up is right here to assist. I wish to take the guesswork out of how one can journal successfully, with out the upcoming paralysis that typically outcomes from an open-ended immediate. 

In the event you’re available in the market for a brand new journal, give certainly one of these a strive:

My first tip? Begin by writing “Morning Pages.”

Whether or not you might be new to journaling or are simply right here to get some new prompts to strive, take into account doing a “psychological obtain” first utilizing the “Morning Pages” methodology. (“Morning Pages” is a writing follow developed by writer Julia Cameron. Wit & Delight contributor Ellen Koneck wrote a useful put up about this matter, which you’ll be able to learn right here.) It’s an effective way to get your psychological gears greased and clear out any fragments of unfinished duties, issues to recollect, or notes to self. It’s additionally actually efficient in priming the pump per se on the subject of getting essentially the most out of extra focused journaling classes.

Subsequent, dive into journaling prompts.

When you’ve executed round ten minutes of unconscious, nonlinear writing, I counsel shifting on to journaling prompts. I maintain a listing useful that I can consult with and take stock of what I’m up in opposition to that day or at that second. If I’m feeling anxious, I do know which checklist to give attention to.

Generally we journal to attach with ourselves; different occasions we journal to search out perspective in moments that really feel uncontrolled. Given the weird occasions we’re residing in and the unfold of COVID-19, journaling is turning into an extremely useful software for this worrier. 

When executed appropriately, journaling may be calming and clearing to your thoughts. It could actually assist in releasing pent-up emotions and on a regular basis stress. It could actually enable you to let go of destructive ideas whereas exploring your experiences with nervousness in a secure manner.

The reality is, writing your ideas down in a journal can positively impression your nervousness on a holistic stage. When executed appropriately, journaling may be calming and clearing to your thoughts. It could actually assist in releasing pent-up emotions and on a regular basis stress. It could actually enable you to let go of destructive ideas whereas exploring your experiences with nervousness in a secure manner.

After we get within the behavior of writing about our struggles AND our successes, we start to see enhanced self-awareness whereas additionally educating ourselves about our triggers. Under you’ll discover a few of my favourite journaling prompts which have labored wonders for me.

Journaling Prompts for Self-Discovery

1. What do I do know to be true that I didn’t know a yr in the past?
2. What distractions get in the way in which of being my most efficient?
3. When do I really feel most in tune with myself?
4. If somebody described me, what would they are saying?
5. What can wait till subsequent week?
6. How does each a part of my physique really feel at this second?

Journaling Prompts for Managing Feelings

1. What feelings am I holding on to?
2. How can I detach or neutralize this emotion?
3. Why am I doing X?
4. Why am I feeling this manner?
5. What’s inflicting these emotions?
6. Have I attempted to take my ego out of the state of affairs?
7. How can I detach my feelings from the habits of others?
8. Did I exploit wholesome boundaries earlier than I started feeling this manner?

Journaling Prompts for Nervousness and Melancholy

1. What hurts proper now? How can I discover aid?
2. Once I look within the mirror, what do I see?
3. What are the issues in my house which can be essentially the most “me”?
4. What am I doing proper now?
5. What occurred earlier than I felt a shift in my temper?
6. Write down a complete checklist of what you might be apprehensive about. Star the gadgets that you understand are 100% true and never solely a sense.

In the event you aren’t satisfied, analysis reveals journaling can enormously enhance your general well-being. Now seize a pocket book, pour some tea (or whiskey?), and let the phrases fly.

Kate is at the moment studying to play the Ukulele, a lot to the despair of her husband, children, and canines. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.