Search
how to get $20 OFF?
As a Glow Squad member, you can share your personal link with your friends. They will get 15% OFF their first purchase if they spend $49+. Once they complete the purchase you′ll get
375 points ($25 off) to use as you wish!
58 Daily Journal Prompts for Better Mental Health
In the busy hustle of modern life, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Whether you’re grappling with a chaotic schedule, a toxic work environment, or old emotional scars, some days can feel almost insurmountable.
And just to add extra obstacles, this mental stress can also affect your energy levels, physical health, and even your skin.
Don’t just fake it until you make it, or try to hide from your problems under a self-care veneer of yoga and bubble baths. Thoughtful journaling can help you better understand and handle the challenges in your life for improved mental, emotional, and physical health.
Benefits of journaling include:
- Provides an outlet to recognize and analyze your feelings.
- Promotes a sense of calm and control.
- Provides a space for you to brainstorm solutions.
- Allows you to look back and gain valuable perspective.
- Keeps you accountable to goals and helps you track progress.
- Helps identify triggers and patterns.
That’s all great in theory, but where do you begin? To help you start (or continue) your journey of self-reflection, we’ve put together 58 daily journal prompts for mental wellness.
1. Describe your day.
Get out any doubts, anger, or second thoughts about things that happened today. Examine any negative feelings. Are they an appropriate response? Then think about all the good things that happened.
2. Describe your perfect day.
Who would you spend it with? What would you do? Linger over the fine details. Imagine everything from your ideal weather to the meals you would eat.
3. What’s your favorite quote?
How does this quote inspire you, and why does it speak to you so deeply? If you feel a connection to the person who said it, include those details.
4. Make a list of things you’re actually grateful for.
This one is important. Do not list the things you should be grateful for — only things that you actually appreciate. Why are you happy to have these things in your life? How do they make your life better?
5. Now, identify things that you think you should be grateful for but aren’t.
What emotions do these things actually evoke in you, and why aren’t you grateful for them? What pressure do you feel from friends, family, or society to be grateful? How can you release this pressure and stop feeling guilty or obligated?
6. Write a letter to your teenage self.
Tell them all the things you wish you had known. Describe how much better your life will get and all the amazing experiences they can look forward to.
7. Write a letter to your future self.
Describe your life right now. Include all the precious details that you don’t want to forget. Paint a vivid picture of the things that make you happy.
8. Write yourself a pep-talk.
It can be from your own point of view or from an outside perspective. What do you need to hear when you’re having a tough time? What do you wish someone would say to you?
9. Compare yourself today to yourself a year or two ago.
How have you grown? What have you learned? If you’re in a better place, feel proud of the progress you’ve made. If you’re in a worse place, consider the things that have gone wrong. How can you do better next year? How can you undo some damage?
10. Describe a time you made a poor choice.
What did you learn from the situation? If you could try again, would you change your decision? How would you do things differently?
11. Identify one thing you are looking forward to.
Why are you excited about it? What are you expecting? Once it’s over, what can you start looking forward to next?
12. What songs always lift your spirits?
Describe what you like about them. Make a note of any particular lyrics that speak to your heart. (And if you haven’t already, consider turning these songs into a playlist that you can easily listen to for a pick-me-up.)
13. Create a 12-month bucket list.
Brainstorm things you’d like to accomplish or experience in the next year and ways to make each one happen. Try to make these reasonable goals — you want to set yourself up for success, not disappointment.
14. Describe your biggest goal right now.
This can be an item from your 12-month bucket list or a totally different goal. Describe this goal in detail. How are you taking steps to achieve it? Do you foresee any obstacles?
15. What one thing would you change about yourself?
Why would you change it? Does this thing currently affect your confidence or mental health? Do you think other people see you the same way?
16. Discuss three things you did right today.
Acknowledge your successes, even if they’re small. Congratulate yourself for doing well.
17. If you could talk with any person from your past, who would you choose?
Why this person? What would you ask them? Would you be happy to see them, or would you be seeking some kind of closure?
18. Name a person you appreciate having in your life.
What do you admire about this person? Why have they had such an impact on your life? If you could thank them, what would you say?
19. Describe your emotional goals for tomorrow.
How do you want to feel tomorrow, and what three things can you do today to help make sure you feel that way?
20. What’s the most embarrassing thing that ever happened to you?
Do you still feel embarrassed? Do you try to keep this story secret, or do you share it with friends? If someone else told you that story, would you judge them for it or find it funny?
21. Make a list of self-care activities that you enjoy.
Are they actually good for you? (Healthy, sustainable, productive?) How can you practice healthy self-care more often?
Not sure if your favorite self-care activities are helping or hurting? Get some perspective with 15 Self-care Ideas That Are Actually Good for You.
22. What are your best character traits?
What are the best parts of your personality? Do you think others would agree with you? How can you play into these traits more often?
23. List your anxiety triggers.
Think about things that consistently trigger feelings of anxiety for you, and identify at least one strategy you can use to calm your response to each. If you aren’t sure what your triggers are, make this an ongoing list. Revisit it as you discover new sources of stress.
24. Describe a time that you helped someone else.
First, explain how and why you helped. How did it make you feel afterwards? How do you think the recipient felt? Would you do it again, or take a different approach?
25. Describe your ideal 5-year plan.
Where do you want to be in 5 years? What kind of life would you like to be living?
26. Describe your favorite time of year.
Why do you love it? Do you spend it with anyone special? What activities do you usually enjoy during that time?
27. Make a list of things that are holding you back.
Think broadly — economic struggles, character flaws, bad habits, toxic relationships. Be honest with yourself, and brainstorm ways to overcome these obstacles.
28. Write a letter to someone you’re holding a grudge against.
Discuss what they did and how it made you feel. Write out why you are forgiving them, and let it go. If it helps, take this page out of your journal and burn it to ceremonially release your painful feelings.
29. What is the biggest life lesson you’ve learned so far?
How did you learn it? Was it a painful experience? If you could do things differently, would you rather change that experience or hold onto the lesson you learned?
30. Write a love letter to your body.
Describe what you like about it, and forgive the things that make you self-conscious. Apologize for any choices you’ve made that mistreated your body, or affected it in a negative way.
Extend all this body-positive love to your troubled skin. Embrace it, forgive it, and treat it well.
31. Examine the way you react to compliments.
Do you say thank you or brush them off? Do you believe people when they compliment you? Why or why not? Which compliments do you receive repeatedly?
32. Describe the best compliment you’ve ever gotten.
What was happening at that moment? How did the compliment make you feel? Did you agree with the praise at the time, and do you now?
33. When you're having a good day, write a message to yourself for bad days.
Remind yourself of happier times, point out good things in your life, and give yourself an optimistic pep talk. Look back at this message when you’re feeling down.
34. What do you fear the most?
Why? Is your fear rational? Have you ever encountered this fear in real life?
35. Write about one of your happiest memories.
Why has this memory stuck with you? Who else was there? What made that time so happy?
36. Write about the last time you cried.
What caused you to cry? Were they happy or sad tears? Were you crying for yourself or someone else? If you don’t often cry, why not, and what was different this time?
37. Write about the last time you laughed really hard.
What was so funny? Who else was there enjoying the moment with you?
38. Write a letter to one of your parents.
You don’t have to give it to them. Is it a grateful letter? An angry letter? A message of forgiveness?
39. Write down a list of memories that you regret.
For each memory, try to think of one good thing that wouldn’t have happened otherwise. We always imagine that our life would be better IF...but this time, think about all the positive memories and experiences you might have missed.
40. Write out a list of your worst habits.
Why do you think you still have these habits? Are they coping mechanisms? And, if so, are they actually helping?
41. Write out apologies to people you’ve hurt in the past.
They can be short or long. You can write a few mini-apologies at once or focus on one long apology each day. Consider actually sending some of them if you think it would help.
42. Write down three of your favorite smells.
Describe how each one makes you feel. When do you encounter them? What memories do these scents bring to mind? Is there a way you can enjoy them more in your everyday life?
Scents can also be very therapeutic. For a moment of calm, try surrounding yourself with soothing cucumber and rose.
43. Write about a time you felt isolated.
How did you get through that time? Are you better off now? To remind yourself that you aren’t alone, list friends and family in your current support network.
44. Describe a few risks that you want to take in your life.
What’s been holding you back from taking them before? What are you afraid will happen as a result of these risks? Are they reasonable fears?
45. Write about a natural element that you feel strongly connected to.
Do you have an affinity for water, fire, air, earth? Have you always been drawn to plants or animals? Why do you think this element resonates with you? What do you have in common?
46. Write about a time you felt overwhelmed with emotion.
What was happening? How did you react? If you responded poorly, consider how you could have done things differently. If you responded well, think about how you could do the same in your next overwhelming situation.
47. In detail, describe how you’re physically feeling right now.
Do you have any stiff or sore spots? How is your breathing? Your heart rate? Is your head clear and focused? Do a full-body check-in from head to toe.
48. Describe your most treasured possessions.
How long have you had them? Why are they so important to you? Do they remind you of happy memories, sad memories, or both?
49. Write about things or places you find comforting.
What about them is comforting? Consider qualities that make them different from similar places or objects — weight, color, location, lighting, memories.
50. Write about something that’s frustrating you.
This is the time to vent. Get out all your complaints, then brainstorm positive solutions for the situation.
51. Describe your dream house.
Where is it? Write about the landscape outside. How is it decorated? Mention your favorite style, or specific pieces of decor that you love. What is your favorite room in the house? Who lives there with you? (Consider using the dream house you’re describing as a “happy place” to envision in times of stress.)
52. What are you worried about today?
Why are you worried? Is the problem within your control or outside your control?
53. What is your favorite book?
What do you like about it? Which character is your favorite, and how do you relate to them? Do you have a favorite quote from this book?
54. Describe the last time you did something kind for someone else.
What did you do, and how did it make you feel? Was the recipient grateful? Would you do the same thing again?
55. What is your most guarded secret?
Is it something precious to you or something you feel guilty about? Is this secret affecting your life or mental health? If the secret is something negative, how can you come to terms with it or make amends?
56. Describe your favorite outfit.
Why do you love it? Do you wear these clothes often, or do they hang untouched in your closet? Is this outfit more about comfort or style? What kind of look is it, and what does it say about you?
57. If you could be anywhere right now, where would you want to be?
What’s stopping you from going to this place? Have you ever been there before? Why is this the place you chose?
58. Brainstorm a daily mantra.
Using words that are meaningful to you, create a phrase (or several phrases) to remind yourself of your worth. Think about powerful affirmations like “I deserve happiness,” “I’ll get through this,” or “I am worth it.”
Remember, it’s okay not to be okay. Journaling can be one powerful tool to help you cope with difficult situations, learn more about yourself, and improve your overall health — from a stronger immune system to clearer skin.
But you also don’t have to endure your struggles alone! Asking for help is not weak. If you need someone to talk to, the SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline (1-877-726-4727) can speak with you about services in your area.
Take care and be kind to yourself. We’re rooting for you!
Clear Skin Kit
1927$ 149.00
$ 159.00
Luminous Clear Skin Kit
868$ 189.99
$ 204.99
No.3 Clear Skin Elixir
1386$ 49.00
Luminous Complexion Toner
636$ 45.00
Mental-wellness
View All-
Preventative aging01/22/2021why we created forever radiant, your preventative aging answer
Read MoreYou thought you wanted anti-aging skincare because it was the only option available. But what you actually NEEDED didn’t exist yet. Now you can finally give your skin what it truly craves: preventative aging.
-
Preventative aging01/21/2021say hello to forever radiant: your natural anti-aging alternative
Read MoreThere's a better solution to your wrinkles than tired old anti-aging products. Forever Radiant is Averr Aglow's age preventing routine that stops your wrinkles before they start. Take a look, we'll tell you how.
-
Preventative aging01/19/2021how to prevent neck wrinkles: definitive skincare and lifestyle tips
Read MoreYou live in fear of "turkey neck," but you can't just slap on moisturizer and call it a day. So what CAN you do? Keep lines at bay and embrace youthful radiance with this lowdown on preventing neck wrinkles.
Most Popular
-
01.
-
02.
-
03.
-
04.
-
05.
-
06.
Anna Denson