30 Journal Prompts For Self-care

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation,” Audre Lorde.

If you aren’t familiar, Audre Lorde was an American writer, feminist, womanist, librarian, and civil rights activist. And, when it comes to self-care: Audre Lorde gets it! And I’m sure if she were here, she’d scream about the power of journal prompts for self-care!

I spoke about journaling for body image in my previous blog post, 30 Journal Prompts for Body Image. I truly believe that journaling can change your life!

Taking time out of your week to put pen to paper to make sense of your deepest thoughts is life-changing. It’s a targeted self-care practice that can take anywhere from 3 minutes to 3 hours (anyone else gets into a passion pit when writing?!)

But, I also understand if you don’t have that much time.

If that sounds like you, check out my blog 15 practical self-care ideas for when you don’t have much time. In it, you’ll see that suggestion #4 is all about journaling. 

I believe in it – and think you should join the journaling movement.

What Are The Benefits of Journaling?

Many scientific research papers have said that journaling is the remedy for navigating modern life. 

Some benefits of journaling include: 

• Improved sense of mindfulness
• Better memory
• Ability to communicate well with others
• Improved sleep
• A stronger immune system
• Increased self-confidence
• A higher I.Q

When you write about events, challenges, fear, gratitude, and emotions, it helps your brain label feelings. 

Journaling doubles as a file folder for our memories and experiences – helping to balance moods which, when used consistently, can lead to a more fulfilling and joyful life. 

Journaling Prompts on Self-care to Help Get You Started 

Below are some prompts to get you started with writing. 

Feel free to only answer one per day – which means you have enough prompts here to start a new journaling habit!

1. What self-care practices do I neglect, and why do I do that? 
2. How would I describe my love language  & what self-care practices intersect with my love language? (Get inspired by Self Care Ideas for your Love language)
3. When was the last time I felt hopeful and why? 
4. What makes me feel powerful and in control? How can I introduce these activities into my week? 
5. How do I show that I trust myself? 
6. When was the last time I set a boundary with someone in my life? How did it make me feel? How am I holding myself accountable to this boundary? 
7. How do I ask for help when I am struggling? What stops me from asking for help?
8. When was the last time I savoured alone time? What did I do? 
9. How have I been sleeping lately? What has been affecting my sleeping patterns? 
10. How do I show myself, love? 
11. What did I do for fun when I was a child? 
12. Which scents relax me? How can I incorporate them into my life more? 
13. Which sounds calm me down? When do I hear them? 
14. When was the last time I felt total relaxation? 
15. Where can I make time to practice self-care? What needs to change for me to commit to this? 
16. What makes me laugh? When was the last time I belly laughed? 
17. Who makes me feel safe, loved, and heard? How can I spend more time with them?
18. What is something I am proud of doing, making, or accomplishing? 
19. When was the last time I celebrated an accomplishment of mine? How did I celebrate? 
20. What is something that makes me feel fulfilled? 
21. What are 3 ways I can add relaxation and mindfulness into my day? 
22. How do I define success? Is there a way I can measure it? 
23. What challenges have I faced last week? What can I learn from that?
24. What is my mood today? What are 3 positive things and 3 challenges that happened? 
25. What’s a crucial memory that brings me joy? Describe it in detail.
26.  What would my dream day be spent doing?  
27. [fill in the blank] I feel the most confident when I am: _________ 
28. What are my values and what am I doing consistently to align myself with them? 
29. Write a letter to your 10-year-old, 15-year-old and 20-year-old self
30.  [fill in the blank] Something that makes me feel inspired is:  _________ 

Put Pen to Paper 

Once you begin journaling for self-care, you may ask yourself – why did I wait so long to start?! 

And if journaling is already in your routine, try switching things up by focusing your writing specifically on self-care. 

Which journal prompt are you the most excited to explore?!