Seven Prompts for Daily Journaling

After keeping a journal for the past eight years, I have found that journaling not only helps me keep my thoughts organized but also helps me release stress. However, I have also found that sometimes it can be difficult knowing what to write in a journal.

Do you write about your fears or dreams? Do you write about what activities you did each day? Do you write about your feelings? If you want to try journaling but don’t know what to write, here are some prompts to help you get started. Because there are seven of them, you could use a prompt for each day of the week or use them randomly, however you see fit.

1. What are your three “hopes” for this week?

These could be as simple as hoping you smile more, hoping you see your favorite co-worker, etc. They don’t have to be big, lofty hopes, but they could if you want to. :)

2. What made you smile today?

Was it your morning cup of coffee? The meme your best friend sent you? Were you able to leave work early?

3. Who did you interact with today?

Describe who you spoke with. How did you feel about this interaction? What did you learn from it?

4. What did you accomplish today?

Again, these don’t have to be extravagant answers. Maybe you woke up five minutes earlier than usual. Perhaps you did some laundry. Getting out of bed and going to work is an accomplishment.

5. How did you relax today?

Did you read a book? Did you take a warm shower? Maybe you watched some TV or ate out instead of cooking at home.

6. What did you learn this week?

We’re always growing, so it’s cool to write down what you learned each week. Maybe you learned how to cook a new dish, how to communicate more effectively, or how to better manage your time.

7. What are three things you’re grateful for?

Is it your health or your home? Maybe you’re grateful for the weather or for laughter. There are so many things to be thankful for, so why not write them down?

Conclusion

When you don’t know what to write, journaling can become more stressful than relaxing. I hope these prompts gave you some ideas to help you know what to write. For those who journal regularly, what do you like to write in your journal? For those who are just beginning to journal, what made you want to start?