So you’ve decided to start journaling? CONGRATS!! Anything you decide to do that helps you focus on stewarding your mind, body and soul blessings well and cultivate calm is a WIN in my book.
Journaling is an amazing self-care technique that truly does affect positively every aspect of your health. Its simple to start and easy to fit into your busy schedule, but, after a few days/weeks/or even months for some, figuring out things to write in your journal can be difficult.
Even the most avid writer can run into the dreaded writers block and run out of things to say in your journal. These situations are perfect for guided journals or journal prompts to help you get back into a rhythm of writing.
Below are a few tips for maintaining a journaling habit and over 100 journal prompts for FREE download.
This post may contain affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission when you click on the links at no additional cost to you. You can read our entire affiliate disclosure here.
Tips for Keeping a Journal
Before you can do anything, you need to know WHY you are journaling. It is hard to stay motivated with you don’t understand your reasons for journaling. What made you want to start writing in a journal? This matters because it helps you understand the importance of a daily journaling practice.
For a consistency, you want to create a routine, which will then allow you to turn it into a habit you don’t even have to think about. Consider adding journaling to your morning or evening routine. This is going to depend on your personal preference and your schedule.
In addition, Whether you are journaling for more gratitude or you have a lot on your mind and need a place to vent and figure things out, you want to have a general idea of what you want to journal about. You don’t have to write about the same thing every day in your journal, but this is going to help you to figure out the best journaling practice.
It also helps a lot to have a designated area for journaling, as it creates ambiance and turns it into something you really look forward to.
Another journaling tip to make journaling work best for you is to be flexible with when you write and what you write about. There are no rules here, so even though a routine is helpful, you can switch it up as often as you need to.
Lastly, as an extension on the idea of being flexible, switch things up when you want! Use a different journal, try several of the journal prompts listed below instead of stream of consciousness, or have a completely new routine for your journaling.
Remember that journaling is meant to help you, not cause you distress. If you feel pressured to do it or like you aren’t enjoying it, it is a sign that you may need to mix it up a little.
What should I write in my journal?
Whether you have just started journaling for self-care or you are well into your journaling routine, you may have started off strong only to run into a road-block of wondering what to write about. Finding things to write in your journal can be tricky, but doesn’t have to be. In fact, it can be fun findings new and exciting things to write about.
Dreams – If you are someone who has vivid dreams, dedicating a journal to reflecting on these subconscious thoughts may be perfect for you.
Gratitude – One of the most beneficial things to include in your journal is gratitude. Expressing gratitude allows you to appreciate all of the blessings in your life. It helps put you in a positive attitude, relieves stress, and helps you move past those bad days.
Reflections – Journaling your reflections on the things going on in the world or the things that you have experienced in the past can be both rejuvenating and freeing.
Feelings and emotions – Use your journal to write about how you are feeling, vent your frustrations, and try to come to terms with anything you are struggling with. Use your journal as a way to dump all those thoughts and feelings, get them out of your head, and work through them.
Memories – Journals can also be used to preserve the memories you are creating now. You are already doing this by writing in your journal, but you can also try some traditional daily journal entries where you just talk about your day and how you spend your time.
Daily intentions – This goes far beyond just making a to-do list (see below). Setting intentions is a way for you to visualize what you want your day to look like, including your mood, your positive attitude, something you are grateful for, or an inspirational quote.
To do lists – With a morning journal, you can also use this time to write down what you need to get done, whether in your personal or professional life. Put together a to-do list, write down a daily goal, and put it in order of priority.
Prayers – Journaling your prayers is an excellent way to keep an easily accessible testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life. Writing your prayers down allows you to look back over the things you have prayer for and to see how and when those prayers were answered.
Quotes – If you are someone who is really trying to improve your mindset, try to also include an inspirational quote or affirmation for the day. You can use the same one each day, or change them up as needed.
Goal -You can also use your journal more for productivity purposes. You get into the right focus for the day when you write out your goals and what tasks need to be completed. This is similar to using a daily planner. You can also track goals long term in a journal.
Printable Journal Prompts
The following journal prompts is comprehensive list but by no means all inclusive! It includes several free and paid printable journal prompts for you to use to grow in your journaling journey.
Daily Journal Prompts
Having an on hand list of prompts to use daily can come in handy on those days when you just can not figure out what to say in your journal. This printable list of daily prompts includes questions that you could answer everyday as well as prompts that will help you dig deeper into who you are and what you want in life.
Gratitude Journal Prompts
Gratitude journaling is an amazing way to notice the good things that you have in your life. This list of gratitude journal prompts are an excellent way to get into the practice of giving thanks. They can help you grow in gratitude and reading back through your answers can encourage you on the days when optimism is hard.
Self-Care Journal Prompts
Journaling for self-care is a great way to slow down in your day and reflect on the things that bring you joy. Even the mama with the most hectic day can find 5-10 minutes to quietly journal. This list of printable journal prompts includes questions that can encourage you to build a self-care routine.
List Prompts
List journaling is fun because the questions are often light-hearted and carefree. These journal prompts can be questions as silly as “List your top 10 favorite candies,” to as meaningful as “What are your top 10 most memorable childhood moments.” If you enjoy list journaling, I would check out 52 Lists for Calm. This series of journals is great for those who enjoy journaling with lists.
Faith Journal Prompts
Having a faith journal is one awesome habit to grow spiritually. Not only are you practicing spiritual self-care but you are also growing in your faith. This faith journal prompts can be used in your prayer journal when you are unsure of what to pray, or when you find you are distracted during your prayer time. Consider starting your prayer time off with one of these prompts to direct your mind to focus.
Year of Journaling Prompts
Many people start off their New Year with the intention of starting a journal, but as with many resolutions quickly fall out of the habit due to inability to think of things to write about. This list of prompts for journaling includes 53 questions to practice weekly journaling. Breaking up the habit like this helps to not overwhelm you and can encourage your to keep going.