Journaling Prompts I Swear By to Handle My Feelings

Initially printed in March 2020

There is no such thing as a higher solution to perceive the best way you assume 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 among the roadblocks you face in terms of journaling, this submit is right here to assist. I wish to take the guesswork out of how one can journal successfully, with out the approaching paralysis that typically outcomes from an open-ended immediate. 

In the event you’re out there for a brand new journal, give one in every of these a attempt:

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

Whether or not you’re new to journaling or are simply right here to get some new prompts to attempt, contemplate doing a “psychological obtain” first utilizing the “Morning Pages” methodology. (“Morning Pages” is a writing observe developed by writer Julia Cameron. Wit & Delight contributor Ellen Koneck wrote a useful submit about this matter, which you’ll be able to learn right here.) It’s a good 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 in terms of getting probably 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 recommend transferring on to journaling prompts. I maintain a listing useful that I can discuss 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 record to give attention to.

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

When executed appropriately, journaling may be calming and clearing to your thoughts. It will possibly assist in releasing pent-up emotions and on a regular basis stress. It will possibly allow you to let go of unfavorable ideas whereas exploring your experiences with anxiousness in a secure manner.

The reality is, writing your ideas down in a journal can positively affect your anxiousness on a holistic stage. When executed appropriately, journaling may be calming and clearing to your thoughts. It will possibly assist in releasing pent-up emotions and on a regular basis stress. It will possibly allow you to let go of unfavorable ideas whereas exploring your experiences with anxiousness 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 best way 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 fashion?
5. What’s inflicting these emotions?
6. Have I attempted to take my ego out of the scenario?
7. How can I detach my feelings from the habits of others?
8. Did I take advantage of wholesome boundaries earlier than I started feeling this fashion?

Journaling Prompts for Anxiousness and Melancholy

1. What hurts proper now? How can I discover aid?
2. After I look within the mirror, what do I see?
3. What are the issues in my dwelling which can be probably 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 record of what you’re apprehensive about. Star the objects that you understand are 100% true and never solely a sense.

In the event you aren’t satisfied, analysis exhibits journaling can vastly enhance your total 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, youngsters, and canines. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.