PROMPTS FOR JOURNALING 5 MINUTES A DAY.
We are now in that block of weeks, sandwiched between the colourful fall days and the cold wintery months, when some of us are running on adrenaline preparing for the holidays and others are dreading the arrival of seasonal affective disorder. But hey!... let’s steer away from depression, and talk about the awesomeness of journaling.
Spending just a little bit of time to journal each day can be so good for you. It can help you gain an awareness for what you’re feeling, process all that is going on around you, introspect to ground yourself, reflect to see how you can make tomorrow easier, prioritize your own health so you don’t crash and burn, practice mindfulness in all situations and emotional states, examine what you’re grateful for, and this list of benefits can go on and on.
Your journaling practice doesn’t need to be a big chore. Think of it as your little getaway from the busy work day, a moment to spend with your amazing self. Journal about anything that is meaningful to you. But if you need some ideas, here are some daily prompts to inspire you.
Sunday – “I would share a coffee date with _____ and tell them…”
Monday – “The intention I’m setting for this week is…”
Tuesday – “One word to describe today: …”
Wednesday – “_____ warms me up like a cozy blanket.
Thursday – “Some days will be cold and dark, but I’ll remember…”
Friday – “I’m treating myself today by…”
Saturday – “What’s guiding me today, this month, or this year is….”
You can cycle through these prompts every week, or revisit what you wrote last week. For example, on the first Sunday of the month, you wrote down that you wanted to share a coffee date with your sister. On the next Sunday, you can write about that coffee date.
When’s the best time to journal? Only you can know the answer. First thing in the morning is great if you’re an early riser. Extend your morning ritual of “getting ready” by setting intentions for the day, taking charge of your mental, emotional and spiritual states, and being connected with your inner self and a positive mindset.
Some of you may like to journal before bed after you’ve lived another full day, and have plenty to reflect on. Light a candle and make a cup of tea, and treat the journaling session as a reward for yourself. Make sure you have a good journal or diary, one that brings you comfort and one that makes the writing exercise easy.
Or, the right time can be in the middle of the day. Sometimes, something you just did or saw can bring inspiration. Perhaps, you need to take a break from work and get in touch with yourself to decompress and reset. And maybe it’s just logistics because you know you won’t have time later.
Whenever you decide to journal is the right time. Happy journaling.
Guest written by Leslie Tan.
Leslie is the owner of Do Good Paper Co., a Canadian online stationery company that offers beautiful journals, notebooks, planners and an award-winning subscription box service. Her passions are photography, travelling, and nature, and she feels blessed to be able to integrate them all into her business. She also donates a portion of all online sales to an environmental organization, as giving back is also very important to her. Leslie also shares more tips and tricks on her website for journaling, creative writing and poetry writing, tips for business owners and more. Check out Do Good Paper Co.’s blog here.
All photos were supplied by Do Good Paper Co.
