Easy journaling prompts

35 Journaling Prompts for Beginners

Journaling

Leave a Comment on 35 Journaling Prompts for Beginners

Getting started with journaling can be daunting.

Especially when you have a brand new notebook and you’re faced with crisp blank pages.

Where do you start?

What do you say?

What don’t you say?

You can of course just put pen to paper and see what flows, but sometimes even that can be a struggle.

That’s where these journaling prompts for beginners come in.

They’re a great way to get you writing without overthinking or becoming too overwhelmed by an empty page.

Journaling prompts for beginners

1. How do I feel?

You can add something specific in there such as How do I feel about… – myself, my body, my partner, my job, my health, etc.

It can be about someone or something you are either currently struggling with or alternatively, grateful for.

2. How do I want to feel (today)?

Again, you can be more specific and ask how you want to feel about a particular person, situation, concern or experience.

3. What do I need (most today)?

4. What am I grateful for?

List at least 5 things and if you want to expand it, you can also say why you’re grateful for each item on your list.

5. What was my biggest lesson or achievement today/this week/this month?

6. The things that bring me the most joy in my life are…

7. The people in my life who bring me the most joy are…

8. I feel happiest when…

9. What do I feel happy about right now?

10. What am I excited about today?

11. What am I looking forward to?

12. How can I experience more joy, happiness and/or peace in my life?

13. What changes do I need to feel healthier, happier and more fulfilled?

14. What is my happiest memory from today/this week/this month?

15. I feel most at peace/relaxed when…

16. I feel most loved when…

17. When I am alone I feel…

18. When I am surrounded by people I feel…

19. I want/need to forgive…

20. What is currently my biggest fear, worry or concern?

21. What is the main cause of stress in my life?

22. How can I reduce the stress in my life?

23. What is most important to me right now?

24. What do I feel guilty about right now?

25. What do I feel sad or upset about right now?

26. What do I feel angry about right now?

27. Who or what do I feel resentful towards/about right now?

28. What do I feel disappointed about right now?

29. What am I dreading?

30. If I could change one thing about my present life, what would it be?

31. I need to tell the truth about/be honest with…

32. What do I feel I am currently lacking in my life? What do I need more of?

33. Where do I currently have too much excess in my life? What do I need less of right now?

34. Who or what do I need to let go of or at least distance myself from?

35. Where or with who do I need stronger personal boundaries?

How to use the journaling prompts for beginners

Here are a couple of different ways you can choose to use these prompts:

In numerical order, answer one question a day. You could do ascending one month, then descending the following month.

Pick a number at random and answer that question in your journal.

Pick one question and answer the same question every day for a month. This is good if you have a particular problem or challenge. At the end of the month, you can go over your journal and see how your feelings have changed.

Pick a couple of “core” questions to answer each day. For example, every time I journal I ask myself how I’m feeling, what I need and what I am grateful for.

Follow your instincts. What question are you most drawn to?

Answer the question you feel most triggered by. It normally means there is something there that needs to be explored further.

Remember there is no right or wrong way to journal and also no set amount you have to write for.

However, I always encourage you to write at least an A5 page initially to get you into the habit of writing and also to overcome any resistance that may arise.

Most importantly, try to enjoy the process.

Image Credit: Unsplash

journal writingjournal writing promptsjournaling

52 Easy journaling prompts for beginners. • Lifestyle Anytime

Does your daily morning routine include journaling, or are you looking at starting a journal? If the answer is yes, these journal prompts may give you ideas on what to write in your daily journal.

Coming up with journal ideas when you first start journaling is hard. I know I sat in front of my journal many times thinking, ‘what shall I write today? what do I journal about?‘

If you haven’t started journaling, you may want to read 5 ways to start a personal journal as this will help you decide on which kind of journal to start. If you are new to journaling but struggling with what to write in your journal, don’t stop because it does get easier. The more you write, the more journaling ideas and topics you have. Also, I”m sure you know or have experienced the many benefits of journaling.

Before I share some of the easy journaling prompts for beginners, let’s cover a few benefits of journaling.

The benefits of journaling.

Mental health – journaling helps with your mental health.
Tracking – Journaling helps you keep track of your progress, helping you achieve your goals.
Healing – There is something therapeutic when you write your feelings and work through your problems.
Diary – A journal can keep track of your experiences, emotions and daily activities. I so wish I had kept a journal when I was travelling, the stories and secrets it would hold.
Ideas – A journal can store the ideas you have for your projects and for your life.
Productivity – Journaling is a great way to be organized and productive. A place to keep your daily lists and to do lists.
Bucket list – Listing all your goals and writing about them is another way to use your journal. Your journal becomes your vision list, a reminder of all the things you would like to do. You can even use pictures and create your vision board in your journal.
Personal growth – Journaling helps with personal development. Journaling can improve your communication skills, your writing skills, your creativity and your confidence.

When is the best time to journal?

Hal Elrod, the author of ‘The Miracle Morning‘, talks about what he calls SAVERS of life. Things to do in the morning on waking. One of the things is journaling (scribing).
Although many people recommend journaling in the morning, the best time to journal is the time that fits in with you best.
When I first started journaling, I wrote in the morning. Now, I find I sometimes journal mid-afternoon after my work shifts.
Many people also write at night, especially if they are keeping a gratitude journal.

So, really the best time to journal is the time that suits you. One of the best ways to start journaling is to create a positive habit trigger that enables you to journal at around the same time each day. This way, journaling will become part of your routine.

Is journaling right for me?

In the post 4 reasons to journal daily, I share what Oprah journals about. This article shares info about 5 celebrities who keep a journal. Just because a celebrity keeps a journal doesn’t mean it’s right for you. It’s right for you if it feels right for you.

With so many different types of journals like a bullet, diary, gratitude, healing, and productivity, the first journal you try may not be the right one. It is ok to start with one kind of journal and change it as you go. It is your journal and your choice what to write in it.

For some people, it takes time to create a journal. For me, I stay with the KISS method. I write in a lined book, a ruled journal. It is simple. I use the journal for daily writing and also to write out my daily to-dos and ideas.

Is journaling right for you? You won’t know until you try. This list of prompts for journaling, though, can help you with ideas on what to write about.

List the daily tasks you’d like to do today.
Write about your dreams if you remember them.
Track your sleep.
Write about what you look forward to today.
Share gratitude in your journal on waking. There are so many things to be grateful for.
Here are 21 daily things we take for granted but shouldn’t.
Talk about your feelings and how you feel about the day that you have planned.
Listen to the sounds around you and describe them.
What if … write the what if of your project to work through any obstacles.
List 3 things you plan to do today for your health.
Write down your meal plan for the day.
If you could be anywhere right now, write down where you would be and how it would make you feel.
Write about what your ideal day would look like.
Note down a list of 12 things that make you smile.
Do you know that game 2 truths and a lie, if you were playing that, what would you share?
Describe a moment in your life that you will never forget.
Write a list of questions you have for your mentor.
Create a list of
1. Favourite books or books you’d like to read
2. Places you’ve visited or places you’d like to visit
3. Your favourite songs that you like to dance to when no one is looking
4. Your long term goals and the steps that will help you get there.
Admit some truths. The secret you’ve been keeping.
Write out a forgiveness note. The one thing you would like forgiveness for.
The most important day of my life is …
The most fun I’ve ever had was …
Just 10 things. 10 people I’d like to meet, 10 foods I’d like to try. 10 sports or fitness activities I’d like to try…
If I was in a movie, I’d be in… and I’ll be … this is the plot…
My favourite thing to do on a Monday is ….
The holidays I like best are …
This is a family tradition I love that I still do …
This is a family tradition I will start with my family …
If I knew I couldn’t fail, I would do this …
If I was granted three wishes, this is what I’d ask for …
My core values are …
This is what I like about myself …
This is how I describe myself …
This is how my family and friends see me …
What did I read this week that inspired me …
What podcast did I listen to this week that inspired me … how was I inspired …
- Just three things.
  I took part in a gratitude challenge once where I wrote each day just three things that I was grateful for. A journal prompt was shared, and each day I wrote the 3 things down that I was grateful for relating to that prompt.
What 3 things am I grateful for at this very moment?
What are 3 things that opened my mind or changed my perspective of the world that I am grateful for?
Who are the 3 people I’m currently grateful to have in my life?
What 3 things about this time of year am I grateful for?
What are 3 things about technology that I am grateful for?
What are 3 things about difficult times that I am grateful for?
What are 3 things about the country I live in that I am grateful for?
If I had a magic wand, I would wish for this … What stops me from taking steps forward to change my life?
Where do I see myself in 1 year from now …
Where do I see myself in 5 years from now … how about 10 years from now …
What would I tell my five year old self …
Who do I need to forgive and why?
What is the best advice I’ve been given to date?
What advice would I give myself?
What is the one thing that causes me to self sabotage?
If I could invite 5 people for dinner, living or dead who would sit around the table dining with me? Why did I choose those people?
If my life was a story and I was writing the final chapter, what would this chapter say?

Download the journal prompts list.

5 Journal Supplements and Printables to Build the Habit of Daily Journaling • Oki Doki

Journaling is one of the best habits for mental well-being and reflection. But it's a hard habit to get into, so these apps and websites improve the experience to make it easier to write a journal every day.

The basics of building a logging habit are the same for all methods. You have to be honest and write freely, do it at least once at the end of the day, and don't be careful with yourself. Along the way, you can track mood and progress in logs, but the main goal is to reflect.

1. Swipe Journal (Android, iOS): The fastest journal for people in a hurry

Swipe Journal turns a traditional journal into a multiple choice test. You will not write or record diary entries with this app. Instead, you will use parameters. This is a series of questions and answers that is much faster than writing.

Programs for Windows, mobile applications, games - EVERYTHING is FREE, in our closed telegram channel - Subscribe :)

When you first set up your Swipe log, select a few categories and maps to track. Categories include work, school, relationships, well-being, finances, and self-development. Each category has multiple maps to track, and you can also add your own maps or categories.

Once selected, the Swipe Journal acts like a journaling tinder. You will see the card as a question with the answers "thumbs up", "thumbs down" or the next/earlier card. Go through the set to record and track your experience daily. You can go to the statistics at any time to see how your mood on these individual topics has been for a long time.

Download: Swipe Journal for Android | IOS (Free)

2. Journalistic (Internet): A micro-magazine with features similar to Twitter

Whether you use Twitter, Medium or Instagram, you'll feel right at home with Journalistic for all your daily magazine needs. A self-contained micro-journaling app is about recording small thoughts as they come to you, not a separate daily journaling session.

Journalistic is a progressive web app that works great on all mobile and desktop browsers. Although there is no character or word count, the idea is to quickly write short sentences in your diary and move on.

You can use Twitter syntax to make searching and browsing easier. For example, use @ in front of a person's name to quickly find all mentions of the person later, or use hashtags to add search tags.

The app separates gems and ideas into separate categories, encouraging you to review your magazine regularly. Take those heartbreaking soulful thoughts or inspirational ideas and put them in your own section. There is also a Dream magazine for paid customers, but the premium version only offers this mode and Dark mode, which you don't have to pay for.

3. Journify (Android, iOS): Voice diary to record journals as audio clips

You are talking to Siri, Alexa and OK Google, why can't you talk to your diary? Journify believes in recording audio recordings. It looks like you're more likely to sign up as it takes less effort to just talk.

Press the play button and start recording. You can pause recording and resume later, allowing you to record all day log entries at different points. Of course, you can stop the recording and save it, and then start a new audio recording. And you can also delete the entire recording by clicking "Reload" for a fresh sound.

Add a title, up to five tags, and a note to each journal entry. You can then search or filter for posts with those tags and titles. Journify also runs daily logging to record energy levels, sleep patterns, and motivation. The free version allows up to five entries, with tiered paid options after that. Give it a shot as the first month is free.

Download: Journify for Android | IOS (Free)

4. Perspectiva (Internet): fresh daily tips to kick-start your journaling habit

If you're trying to start journaling without doing it before, you may have trouble figuring out what to write each day. The simple hints provided in most journal applications are not good enough. Perspective kicks off this habit by releasing fresh, thought-provoking prompts to choose from, giving you something to write about.

The app provides four different categories of requests: General, Parental, Stoic, and COVID-19. Click any to create a question that you can answer as your journal. Even if you don't want to use the Perspectiva app for logging, there is a free Perspectiva Covid Tips mini app and mailing list to get tips. You can then use these hints to write in your own journal application.

Perspectiva is a simple logging application with a clean interface. When you start writing a new entry, it also shows you the earlier entries as inspiration or a starting point. You can also activate it on Telegram to post Perspectiva updates through the messaging app.

5. Pocketmod Mood Diary (Print version): Tiny Paper Journal that fits in wallets

Not everyone needs a digital magazine app. If you prefer good old pen and paper but want to travel with you, Pocketmods is a great choice.

Anyone can create a Pocketmod from standard A4 or Letter size paper used in printers. It converts into an eight-sided mini booklet, small enough to fit in a wallet. And you can do as much as you want in an instant. By default, you can even use an empty Pocketmod as a journal, freeing you to use the space however you want.

Mood Diary Pocketmod is a magazine for tracking up to four days in one brochure. Add your thoughts to the main section while you can track your mood, weather, sleep hours, exercise, medication, and food intake in designated areas. In addition, those diagnosed with depression or anxiety can also track their mood.

If you don't have a medical diagnosis, try another Pocketmod from the same manufacturer. This is a more detailed mood and emotion log where you track time, emotion, source, and follow-up.

Print the PDF that best suits you, then fold according to PocketMod's instructions. The DIY Planner website also has other magazine prints worth checking out.

Other journal apps for productivity and mental health

Oh, don't think these are the only digital journal apps. There are so many diary apps on the internet that you will lose them. The point is to find an app that works for you, much like a good productivity system or a good therapist.

If the above five are not to your liking, try these other digital journal apps to improve your productivity and mental health. For beginners, Cactus is worth noting, which will guide you through the process of journaling and habits.

Programs for Windows, mobile applications, games - EVERYTHING is FREE, in our closed telegram channel - Subscribe :)0079

Have you heard of journaling?

If you've already tried your hand at this, you may be having trouble coming up with magazine topics every day. You can set aside 10-15 minutes or even 30 minutes for journaling in your busy schedule, but spend most of the time thinking about what to write.

What a waste of time!

Have you heard of daily diary tips? These are simple ideas, mostly in the form of questions that will trigger a certain way of thinking. It encourages you to think about one topic that is relevant to you.

Once you start, the words will flow and you can make your daily diary productive.

This article offers you a complete list of simple tips for adults. They are specifically designed for beginner diary.

How to use the tips of the daily diary for adults?

Take any container - jar or pot - that is no longer in use. This is called a magazine jar.
Print out the prompts. Or you can write them down on slips of paper.
Fold each individually and place in a container.
Each day at the start of your journaling session, reach into the container and select one piece of paper with the prompt.
Read this and give yourself enough time to understand it. Don't think too much.
Start writing. You don't have to worry about content ordering, grammatical or spelling mistakes. This is exclusively for your eyes. However, you can share it with others.
Keep writing until the time runs out. You can use a timer so you don't have to worry about the available time.
You can start journaling with 10-15 minute sessions and progress to 30-45 minute sessions. It depends on how much time you want to spend on this exercise and how much you can.

What are the best tips?

Writing prompts for adults is not all the same. There are written clues for adults about life and the emotions evoked by memories of certain people and incidents. Then there are the all-too-common ones that encourage you to make lists. It could be anything in your life.

There are also funny adult tips that will give you pleasure as you write about it. There are journaling tips that encourage you to confess what you have done, seen, or experienced. Or it could be about the things you love the most, or the things that prompt you, or your dreams or memories from growing up.

The amount of hints is unlimited.

If you like, there are all sorts of clues in the journal jar. Or stick to just one type that you feel most comfortable writing about. The decision is entirely up to you.

As far as prompts are concerned, they are all equally good if you like the ideas and they do their job of getting your mind to think about something specific.

Easy Prompts Adult Magazine

These adult daily reminders are listed in different categories to make it easier for you to choose. Several examples are given in each category to give you an idea. You could come up with similar ones.

About feelings and emotions

Describe what makes you happy.
Describe something that annoys or angers you.
Describe what makes you sad and depressed.
Is it easy for you to forgive and forget?
What is your strategy for dealing with anger?

Making lists

Make a list of the people you most admire.
Make a list of the places you liked to visit.
Make a list of the things you thought you couldn't do.
Describe your wish list.
List the skills you want to acquire.

Your confessions

Write about your well-kept secret.
Describe something about yourself that no one else knows.
What is the worst thing you have ever done?
I feel guilty about...
What is the biggest lie you have ever told?

Top Tips

Write about the happiest moment of your life.
Write about the most depressing moment in your life.
Describe the worst experience in your life.
Describe the most anticipated event in your life.
Describe the saddest experience in your life.

Three clues

Write about three of your favorite fictional characters.
Write about three things you cannot live without.
Write about three things you want to try.
Write about the three people you love the most.
Write about three things you are not willing to compromise on in life.

What are your favorite ten things

Write about ten activities that you enjoy the most.
Write about ten books/authors that you enjoy reading.
Write about ten restaurants you enjoy visiting.
Write about ten quotes that have influenced your life.
Write about ten places you would like to visit.

Your views

Do you think you need to plan everything?
Do you think there are kindred spirits?
How do you feel about the climate crisis?
Do you think you can achieve anything by worrying about it?
Do you think it is important to know your future?

Using quotes and sayings as clues

Never miss a chance to say a kind word - William Thackeray
I can't go back to yesterday; because then I was a different person - Lewis Carroll
Your only obligation in any life is to be true to yourself - Richard Box
Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as success - Joyce Brothers
Winners write history - Alex Haley

Visual Journaling Tips

Flip through the pages of a magazine and find an image that inspires you.
Turn over the pages of your old album and choose the photo you want to write about.
Look at the bookshelf and pick one at random.
Look around and see what you like.
Look out the window and write about your neighborhood.

Traditions and rituals

What is your favorite weekend activity?
What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Do you believe in religious rituals?
Are you looking forward to the festival?
Write about a ritual that your parents encouraged you to do.

Imaginary scenarios (what if)

If you could choose a date, who would it be?
If you could be anyone, who would you like to be?
If you could live anywhere, where would it be?
If you could do anything, what would it be?
If you could change something about your past, what would it be?

Memories from the past

Who was your best friend?
Who was your favorite teacher?
What was your favorite subject?
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What is your favorite activity?

The week that was

What did you learn last week?
What were the dominant emotions last week?
What was the highlight of the past week?
Did you set any goals last week? Have you achieved this?
Describe a funny thing that happened last week.
Learn more