Here’s my guide to daily journal practices you can start today. Journaling is a habit I’m very proud of and one that has helped my mental health tremendously over the years. I think I initially started journaling back in 2019 and over the years it’s really expanded. I love to keep all my journals from the past because it’s so fun to look back on what I’ve journaled on over the years and how I’ve changed and grown. There are a few consistent themes I’ve seen over the years and those revolve around my passion for health and fitness, having a desire to live a purposeful life, and my love for traveling. There are certain things I journal about that have been most helpful to me and I want to share them with you. Here’s my list of 8 journal prompts. Some can be done daily, others yearly or as needed, but pick one or two and get started today!
- Daily gratitude list. I like to write down 5 things at the end of every day that I’m grateful for. They don’t have to be major things, but reflecting on all the blessings, big or small, in life is a great way to end the day
- Open entry. This is like therapy. These entries have been the most helpful especially over the past couple years. I don’t always think I have a lot to say, but when I start writing, I usually uncover a lot of deep thoughts that help me work through the situation or feeling I’m experiencing. These entries are also really meaningful to look back on throughout the years to see what thought patterns have been consistent, how far I’ve come from certain experiences, how my dreams have stayed the same or changed, etc.
- 10 dreams I made happen. I read about this in a book one time and loved the concept. This is a list of 10 dreams, written down as if they already happened. I LOVE this list. It’s ambitious and bold and it feels amazing when I get to check something off.
- Yearly goals. These are usually smaller goals than the “10 dreams” list, but help me set my priorities for the year. A couple things from my list for 2023 that I’ve done already were launching a blog and becoming a certified personal trainer. I love reflecting back on where I started and where I am throughout the year.
- My values and operating principles. This is a list I started as I was going through a difficult life transition, and is another one I love to look at regularly. Being clear on your values in life and the principles you want to live by can help you remain aware if your daily actions are lining up with those values.
- Travel journal. My travel journal is it’s own separate journal. I love writing about what I do on my trips, and this is also really special to go back and read down the road. For some of my hiking trips, I’ve also been very detailed about what I wore on a hike, what the weather was like, what I ate, etc. I was reading back on one of these recently and it’s helping me prepare for an upcoming trip!
- Workout journal. This is also a separate journal. I’m off and on with this one, but it’s also fun to go back and see the physical strength I’ve gained and help myself see how disciplined I am, even if I don’t always feel like it.
- Nutrition/Health journal. (Yet another journal). When I do nutrition resets like the Whole30, I like to document what I eat and how I’m feeling. Food can have such an impact on how we feel physically, mentally, and emotionally and it’s good to be aware of foods that may trigger negative reactions.
There’s your list of 8 journal prompts to pick from. It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of life and not stop to reflect on where you’ve been, how you’ve grown, and where you’re going. That’s what I love about my journals the most. It doesn’t have to be hard or take too much time, and it can be a great way to start or end the day. I challenge you to pick one or two prompts from the list above and start journaling!
Stay curious,
Katie