Journaling Ideas for Self-Care

It’s easy to get hung up on imperfections and worry your journal entries aren’t “perfect.” If you’ve ever searched the internet for inspiration, you know that folks are posting some of their most beautiful pages, which can be intimidating.

But remember that journaling is supposed to be flexible and fun. Whenever those thoughts of perfection creep in, always bring it back to your purpose and be kind to yourself. Remember that this is a moment to bring your whole self, so give yourself permission to do just that.

If the pressure of creating the perfect layout or having neat handwriting is bringing on the stress, consider having “messy pages” or “thought dumps” where you can scribble and doodle away without care.

However you approach self-care, whether that’s taking a social media break or indulging in a bubble bath, consider adding journaling to the mix.

Maybe you want to add journaling to your Self-Care Sunday routine. Or use it to decompress after a stressful day. When you start viewing your journal as a self-care moment that you’re gifting to yourself, you can start to build a self-care practice that’s always there when you need it.

Here are a few journaling ideas for self-care to help you make moment matter:

• Find a journal you love. Get one in your favourite colour or with an image that inspires you. Grid pages? Lined? Blank? It’s all up to you.
• Give your journal a theme. If the idea of writing about anything and everything has you feeling stuck, give your journal a specific focus like life goals or family memories.
• Begin with a prayer or intention. Try writing down a peace prayer, intention or mantra at the top of the page. You can even say it aloud until you’re ready to begin writing.
• Create a “journaling” playlist. Compile a music playlist that inspires you or puts you in the mood to let your thoughts wander.
• Find your favourite spots. Do you love being outside? Under a cozy pile of blankets? Experiment with your journaling environment to find the best spot for you.
• Light a candle or incense. Create the perfect atmosphere by infusing your space with your favourite scent.
• Use your favourite supplies. From markers to pens, discovering your go-to tools is part of the journaling fun.
• Choose the best time for you. With a cup of coffee before the day begins? When you’re winding down for the day? Make it special by finding the time you’re most inspired to write.
• Brew some calming tea. Settle in with your favourite beverage or herbal tea for an extra bit of “me” time.

All the prompts

Want more prompts? You know we’ve got your back. Here’s a big list of prompts for self-care journaling, as well as mindfulness journal prompts for every stage of life.

Journaling can do wonders for your well-being, and there are plenty of approaches to journaling that keep your mental health in mind. Here are a few to try:

Embrace Nature

Being outdoors or in a natural environment can be a powerful grounding tool. Grounding can keep us from getting swept up in our own thoughts and bring us back fully into the present moment. When you add in a bit of journaling, the world around you becomes your inspiration toward mindfulness.

Use Imagination

Allow your imagination to create the perfect day, your ideal safe place, or even a future outcome or goal you’re working towards.

Explore Emotions

We contain a multitude of complex emotions and it’s okay to not have all the answers to why we’re feeling a certain way. Use journaling to process some of your thoughts and reactions. Invite yourself into a conversation by asking yourself questions and exploring answers.

Track Habits

Whether you want to keep track of your daily mood or make sure you’re drinking enough water, journaling can be a great way to keep track of any area you wish to focus on. Whether it’s daily, weekly or whenever you have a moment to spare, explore different ways of checking in with yourself to find the best method.

Create Lists

Lists can be great when you want to make note of a bunch of things without going into too much depth. Make a list of activities that calm you or experiences you’re looking forward to. You can even use your journal to make a list of self-care affirmations that boost your spirits.

Returning to What You Wrote

Devoting time to looking back on your journal can provide incredible insight into your self-growth and understanding. It can also help you notice familiar thought patterns or areas you want to work on. You may find you were worked up over stuff that eventually worked itself out. Take time to examine your journal and reflect on your journey.