Journaling is one of the simplest forms of self-care and can be beneficial for improving mental health. While journaling is great for adults, it can be really helpful for kids attending middle and high school. It is during these years that students go through a lot of physical and emotional changes. So, having a safe outlet for expression can protect their mental health and save them from developing serious mental health issues.
Teachers and parents can encourage grown-up kids to participate in mental health awareness activities and develop the habit of journaling so they can take care of their mental health and live a happy life. The journal prompts shared in this article work very well to nudge kids to write about specific aspects of their lives so they can become more self-aware and improve their overall well-being.
How can students benefit from journaling for mental health?
Journaling is not just meant for adults. Kids who know how to write fairly well can use journaling to improve their mental health too. Here are some of the of the benefits of journaling for mental health:
- Journaling is a safe and non-judgmental outlet to allow kids to express their thoughts and feelings.
- It helps in relieving stress, as writing about stressful events reduces emotional burden.
- It helps them regulate their emotions more effectively and build a positive mindset.
- It encourages them to think critically and find solutions to their problems.
- It increases their self-awareness and helps them deal with their emotional and mental issues effectively.
- Writing helps them process difficult situations.
- It helps them build resilience and empowers them to deal with future difficulties.
Journal prompts that can help improve your mental health
1. What’s that one thing you like to do in the morning that makes you feel ready and recharged for the day?
2. List down the things that make you anxious.
3. What goes on in your mind when you are anxious?
4. How do you calm yourself when your nervousness is at its peak?
5. Is there any trick that helps you calm down instantly?
6. Who do you like to go to when you want to feel safe and heard?
7. What was the best thing that happened to you today?
8. Is there anything that you’re worried about? What can you do to make your worries go away?
9. List the things that make you happy.
10. Who is your go-to person to share your thoughts and feelings? What did you talk to them about the last time, and how did it make you feel?
11. Name the activity or hobby that helps you relax and unwind. Why do you like it?
12. Is journaling helping you to improve your mental health?
13. What symptoms do you experience when you feel stressed? Do you feel the need to go see a doctor to improve your mental health?
14. Is there anything you are struggling with or find challenging nowadays? Is there anything you can do to help yourself? If not, who do you think can help you overcome this struggle?
15. What do you like the most about yourself?
16. What are some of your qualities that help you stand out in the crowd?
17. Write five positive affirmations for yourself.
18. Do you worry about what the future holds for you?
19. Describe three things you can do to improve your mental health.
20. What can you do to turn a bad day into a good one? Write about a time when you did this for yourself.
21. Share about the time when you were misunderstood by a friend or a family member. What happened, and what emotions did you feel in that moment?
22. Are you happy with your relationship with your parents and siblings? How can you make it better?
23. Draw a picture of you and your family members sharing a happy moment.
24. What would you call a perfect day? How many such days did you already have until now?
25. Has anybody been mean to you lately? What happened? How can you tell the person they hurt you and you don’t want them to repeat their mean behavior again?
26. Write five ways to improve yourself.
27. Which of your habits do you think are negatively affecting your mental peace and health?
28. What is that one thing about you that nobody knows? Would you feel better if you could share it with someone?
29. Write about your best memory.
30. How do you handle problems that come your way? Are you happy about the way you handle them? If not, how can you do better?
31. Is there anything you would like to change about yourself, and why?
32. Write about the best holiday you spent with your family.
33. How are you feeling right now, and why? What can you do to feel even better? Now that you know the answer, go ahead and do it.
34. Jot down three things you are grateful for and why.
35. Write about the times when you felt lonely. What can you do to not feel the same again?
36. Who can you reach out to when you feel lonely? Why do you choose them?
37. Do you have a friend you can count on? What makes them special?
38. What is your greatest fear? How can you overcome it?
39. Write a letter to thank yourself for facing all your challenges with great strength and courage.
40. Make a list of songs you can play to lift your mood and spirits.
41. Write a short note on what makes you a good person, and read the note to yourself in front of a mirror.
42. Find and write some inspiring quotes you would like to read before bed every night.
43. How can you be kind and compassionate toward others, and how can they be kind toward you?
44. How will you explain anxiety to your friends? What advice will you give them?
45. Make a note of things you don’t want to tell your parents but want your therapist to know.
46. Make a list of things others can do to help you when you are anxious. Share this list with your friends and family.
47. Things that make you smile are…
48. What makes you angry? How can you try to remain calm and not get very angry?
49. Write about one thing you would do tomorrow to have a great day.
50. What valuable lessons have you learned to date?
Tips to get started with journaling for mental health
Journaling for mental health is no rocket science. In fact, it is the most natural way of expressing oneself without the fear of being judged or misunderstood. When you journal, you write for yourself and not for others. And that’s what makes it special. Here are some tips to begin journaling:
- Find a pen and a journal to write in. Anything from a DIY handmade journal to a fancy one will do.
- Decide on a time for journaling. It could be the first thing in the morning or the last thing before bed.
- Write for as long as you feel like it.
- Be honest in your writing, and don’t hesitate to put down your thoughts on paper.
- Don’t consider it a chore, but a means to declutter your mind.
- Choose a prompt you would like to write about. Also, try mindfulness journal prompts and morning journal prompts to add variety to your writing.
- Write regularly to reap maximum benefits.
Final thoughts
Using prompts for journaling is a simple and easy way to protect and improve mental health. This activity is not only for those already dealing with mental health issues. Rather, it can be beneficial for all, including students.
While writing your way to better mental health is a good practice, one must not replace it with therapy if that’s what a person needs. Parents and teachers must always be on the lookout for signs indicating mental health issues in children because timely therapy and support can help these kids in the long run.
I am Priyanka Sonkushre, a writer and blogger. I am the person behind “One Loving Mama,” a mom blog. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree along with an MBA, my healthcare background helps me deeply understand learning difficulties. I know how challenging it can be for parents to find the right resources to help their children excel in life. So, here I am to blend my healthcare expertise with my parenting experience to create valuable and helpful resources for parents and teachers supporting children with learning differences. If you wish, you can follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn.