This post is all about journal prompts for mental health.

For me, my well-being and journaling routine go hand in hand. I can go weeks without picking up my journal and typically, those are the weeks when I'm really needing it the most. Journaling may seem like a daunting practice if you're new to it, but there are so many simple journal prompts out there to get inspiration from.

Whether you do daily journal prompts or have never tried journaling before, there are many great prompts that can help you with your mental health. Journaling has been shown to help people manage their anxiety, reduce stress, cope with depression, and relax ( via University of Rochester).

I'm a true believer that it's never too late to start journaling, and that there's no better time to start than now. If you don't like journaling, you can even do a simple mind dump and write out all of your feelings on the page. 

If you're looking for journal prompts for your mental health and well-being, this post is for you! These are my go-to journal prompts for when I'm struggling with my mental health and need to find some clarity.

These are the absolute best journal prompts for mental health.

The Best Journal Prompts for Mental Health

1. How am I really feeling lately?

I always start off my journaling by checking in with how I'm feeling. It's important to check in with your mental health because it can be so easy to put it on the back burner when life gets busy. Write down however you've been feeling lately, even if it's a range of emotions.

2. The things I value most are:

What are the most important things to you in your life? I love this prompt because it helps me re-center my priorities, and the things that I might be taking for granted. Bring awareness forward to your values and what brings you happiness in your life.

3. What does happiness look like to me?

If you living your dream life right now- what would that look like to you? What does happiness look like to you? Maybe it's traveling to different countries, or having a routine you love. Whatever it is, make sure that it's something that brings you joy.

4. Things I'd like to prioritize more:

Think about what's most important to your happiness and your growth. What habits, people, and actions do you want to prioritize more? These should all be things in your life that bring you joy, help you grow, and support you most in your life. It could be anything from spending time outside, time with your family, or your career goals. 

5. Things I'd like to prioritize less:

Most of us have a few habits, people, or situations in our lives that no longer serve us or help us grow. In order to change these habits, you need to become aware of them and how they affect your life first. Whether it's scrolling less on social media or nights out, these should be things that don't add value to your life and that you could do without.

6. What habits are serving me?

What habits are working for your routine right now? Is there a new habit you implemented that's doing wonders in your life, or a trusted habit you've had for years that's essential to your routine. Write down all of the good, positive habits you've built and that keep you balanced.

7. What habits are no longer serving me?

Do you have any habits you've been wanting to drop but are struggling to get rid of? Write down the habits that no longer serve you and that you want to phase out of your routine. Having them written down on paper will help you keep track of them and reflect when you feel inspired to make a change. 

8. My goals for the next: week, month, year:

Writing down goals is a fun way to get you to feel inspired and optimistic about the future. This is a great prompt to get yourself out of a funk and your goals can be about anything. They don't have to be career goals, and can instead be wellness or fitness goals. Your goals should focus on whatever it is you need most in your life right now.

9. What steps am I taking to achieve my goals?

Once you have your goals written down, it's time to write out the actionable steps you need to take to achieve them. Break down your goals into smaller steps that you want to take over the next few weeks and months. 

10. What has hurt me recently? Have I been able to move on/let go?

If your mental health is suffering because of something that's happened recently, it can help to write out your feelings. Write down anything that you've been holding on to or that's been on your mind lately. You can do a mind dump if you're not sure where to start. Moving on and letting go of hurtful parts of the past start with feeling what you need to feel and acknowledging those emotions. This is always the most therapeutic part of this journaling session for me.

11. 3 self-care practices I want to prioritize are:

What ways will you prioritize your mental health and yourself? Everyone's self-care practice looks different. Yours doesn't have to be Pinterest worthy. If watching Netflix in your PJs with a snack makes you feel relaxed and content - then do it! Self-care isn't meant to look aesthetic or any certain way. It's meant to make you feel at peace and give you space to let go of your stress and anxieties.