5 Journal Prompts For Anxiety
Journaling is one of the most helpful tactics when learning to process your emotions.
As easy as journaling seems, it can actually be very difficult to let your emotions and inner thoughts free. Many people feel intimidated and let logic interfere with what they write down.
But sitting with your most vulnerable self can help increase mindfulness, boost your emotional vocabulary, and even help solve concerns with a new perspective.
It’s important to note that there is no right way to journal.
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Getting Started:
Your Tools:
The first thing you’ll need is something to write with and something to write on.
I suggest having a designated notebook to place your feelings in, that way you can come back to this spot and cue your brain that it’s time for a mindful practice.
However, a piece of scrap paper or even a writing app on your phone also works!
Your Environment:
Ideally, you’ll want to write during a peaceful moment that you’ve been able to designate for this practice. This means that squeezing in during your bathroom break at a family dinner is probably not ideal, unless you have extra emotions bubbling up and need to get them out ASAP.
Journaling for anxiety is different that journaling to get everything off your chest.
This is intentional, in-depth, and soothing.
Which is why it’s important to try to journal in a spot where you’ll be able to hear what your mind is saying. Try to find a private space, free of distractions or too much noise. You can also try sitting in nature or playing soothing sounds in the background, whether that’s your favorite playlist, classical music, white noise, or ambient sounds.
Write From The Heart:
Ask yourself how you’re feeling. Let yourself write without thinking too much about what you’re “supposed” to say.
There is no right way to journal, and no rules about what should and shouldn’t be written down!
You just have to start and let yourself keep going! If it feels too intimidating to let your words exist on paper, you can even try ripping, flushing, or burning the page after writing.
Having some trouble? Here are examples of journal prompts for anxiety and worry:
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Prompts:
1) What am I worried about and why is this so important to me?
2) How would I want my future self to confront this problem?
3) What would the wisest person I know say about what I’m going through? How would they comfort me?
4) I’ve overcome difficulties before and I’ve felt fearful before. How can I use these memories to assure myself about my capabilities and strength?
5) During this difficulty, what do I have to be grateful for?
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No matter what you write, journaling can help. Journaling for anxiety helps you calm down and center yourself. Journaling can also help calm you, reassure you, and stop overthinking.
Trying Therapy:
Therapy is also a great tool to help calm anxiety. Journaling can even supplement psychotherapy sessions because it gives you something to reference back and process in between appointments. If you or someone you know would benefit from talking to a therapist, call 954-372-7584 or click here to schedule an appointment.