30 Journal Prompts for Beginners

Writing down your personal thoughts and feelings in a journal may feel uncomfortable at first. And starting with a blank piece of paper can be somewhat intimidating. So today I will be sharing 30 journal prompts to help you get started.

With so many benefits, it’s easy to understand why so many people want to make journaling a habit. Journaling is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings. It can also be an excellent tool to nurture creativity.

Before I share some journaling prompts for beginners, let’s chat about a few benefits of journaling.

Reasons to Write in a Journal

Journaling is a great way to express yourself without fear of judgement. And the research suggests that keeping a journal can have a positive effect on your mental well-being.

For instance, journaling can help you to calm and clear your mind, solve problems more effectively, and help you to gain a different perspective (source). It can help you to feel a greater sense of overall emotional well-being and happiness (source).

Journaling is also a great way to get to know yourself better.

 How to Get Started with Journaling

Here are a few tips to help you start your journal:

• Choose your notebook. Use a notebook or journal that you love so that you’ll be inspired to come back to it each day.
  
• Find a quiet location. Write in a location where you will be not be disturbed or distracted by phones or other devices.
  
• Write consistently. One of the best ways to make journaling a habit is to write at the same time every day. Pick a time of day where you know you have the time to devote to writing for at least a few minutes. Many people enjoy writing in the morning, however, pick a time that works best for you.
• Start with just five minutes. You may feel like you don’t have time to start a journal. So, a great way to start is to dedicate just five minutes a day. You’ll be surprised how much you can write in just five minutes!
• Have fun with your journal. Journaling doesn’t have to be so serious. Journaling should feel enjoyable and something that is just for you. Remember that you can choose to write about one of the prompts in this article. Or, you can write about whatever comes to mind. You could even draw if you aren’t in the mood to write.
  

Here are 30 prompts, questions and ideas to explore in your journal:

Journal Prompts for Beginners

1. My favorite way to spend the day is…
2. A moment I’ll never forget in my life is… Describe it in great detail, and what makes it so unforgettable.
3. I couldn’t imagine living without…
4. What does unconditional love look like for you?
5. What would you do if you loved yourself unconditionally? How can you act on these things whether you do or don’t?
6. How can I simplify my life in little ways?
7. What makes me happy?
8. What were my highs and lows this week?
9. Three things I do well….
10. What would I be doing if money wasn’t an object?
11. What do I need more of in my life?
12. What do I feel strongly about?
13. What are you grateful for today?
14. Describe a favorite memory that you’re grateful for.
15. What makes you special?
16. What risk are you most grateful for having taken?
17. Describe the best gift you’ve ever been given.
18. Write about three things you’re happy about today.
19. What do you love about your partner?
20. Three things you love about your home.
21. Ten things that bring me joy.
22. What are my biggest goals?
23. What am I really good at?
24. What would happen if I stopped worrying?
25. Write about an accomplishment you are proud of.
26. Write about someone who supports you.
27. Who is your biggest inspiration? Why?
28. The most surprised I’ve ever been . . .
29. Three things I would do if I didn't worry about other people's opinions.
30. If you could be anywhere right now, write down where you would be and how it would make you feel. 
    

How Therapy Can Provide You With More Help with Journaling

Hopefully these journal prompts for beginners are just the motivation you needed to get started. Remember to be patient and have fun with your new journal.

If you experience stress or other uncomfortable feelings while journaling then you may want to reach out to a friend or loved one or go for a walk to help clear your mind.

And if you continue to experience these feelings, you may benefit from the support of a counselor. Please reach out if you’re interested in scheduling and learning more about how we can help manage stressors in your life using journaling and other tools.

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