Journaling is a great outlet for expressing your emotions and creativity. Whether you are feeling happy, anxious, sad, or excited, writing down your thoughts and feelings can be a great way to help you deal with your emotions.
Here are journal prompts for putting your feelings on paper!
When You’re Happy
Happiness is such a fun thing to include in your journal. Plus, it’s nice to look back on those moments in the future. Reflecting on happy moments can help to increase your positive perspective on life.
- Happy memories: Describe times you felt happy in the past or present. Write down what stands out, from getting ice cream with a friend to getting an A on your English paper. Think about who you were with, what you were doing, and what you felt.
- Achievements: It is important to celebrate every win, no matter how small it may seem to you. So, if that is an everyday accomplishment like taking a ten-minute walk, great! If you place Top Overall at Finals, amazing! Write about what you did that you could celebrate, and how you felt in that moment.
- Gratitude list: There are so many things in life to be grateful for, that sometimes we just don’t see them in the moment. So by taking a moment to sit down and write what you are grateful for, you can begin to recognize it more. Who were you with? Where were you? What were you doing?
When You’re Sad
Feeling sad sometimes is normal! By journaling you can process and feel out that emotion.
- Letters: Sometimes all we need is to write down all of our feelings. So, write a letter to yourself (or somebody else) saying how you are feeling. The letter never has to leave your journal if you don’t want it to. It is just a good way to get in touch with everything you are experiencing.
- Creative Writing: Think of this one as a brain dump. Say anything and everything and write it all out. Don’t worry about anything, just let it all out. Then you can either keep it in your journal or crumple it up and toss it.
When You’re Anxious
Anxiety can sometimes feel like an overwhelming emotion or feeling, but journaling is one method that may allow you to feel a new sense of calm.
- Worry List: List everything that is worrying or stressing you, big or small. This list is just for you, so write whatever it is that is on your mind. Once you have a list, you can use it tackle those concerns, put them in categories, or write down your feelings about each item individually.
- Strategies: Write down ways that you can help to remind yourself everything is okay. This is a great place to keep your favorite breathing techniques, meditation prompts, yoga routines, and anything else that helps you relax.
Remember that any emotion you are experiencing is normal. Journaling is a healthy and effective way to express yourself and those emotions.
