5 Thought-Provoking Journal Prompts to Promote Mindfulness
Checking in with yourself doesn’t have to be a chore.
We hear and read all about being mindful. For me, mindfulness can feel like such a burden.
I’ve attended several meditation sessions and retreats, I’ve read up on it quite a bit, and I’ve spent a lot of time trying to incorporate it into my daily life. While I’ve learned so much and I know why it’s beneficial, it can still feel like such a chore sometimes. And, chores aren’t that enjoyable. Right?
I have experienced first hand that being mindful is a crucial part of our happiness — I don’t care who thinks it’s overrated. I’m willing to bet that they’re wrong. However, sitting still while focusing on your breath for a period of time or focusing on every bite of your lunch can truly be difficult.
But, these regular practices of mindfulness rewire the brain and change the areas that affect the memory, sense of self, and emotions for the better; so, I’m willing to find new ways to practice it and keep at it every day because my mom always taught me that nothing good ever comes easy.
Mindfulness is the ability to be in the present moment, not in the past and not in the future. Along with being aware of the now, mindfulness is being with judgment or distraction. While mindfulness doesn’t make stresses go away, the practice teaches us how to deal with stressful moments and react in a way that is most healthy.
Learning about and practicing mindfulness is a lot of work. I will be the first to say that. In fact, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done (and still work towards). But, it’s worth it. I am happy a whole lot more than not and I contribute it to being mindful.
One thing I’ve found that makes being mindful a little more fun is to write prompts that encourage the practice. I love to write, so why not? And, it can feel less boring when the prompts aren’t just your every day this is what happened today.
Mindful journaling is a little different than everyday journaling where you just write what’s happened (which I also enjoy doing). Mindful journaling allows you to really focus on your headspace, write without judgment or fear, and makes you more aware of your emotions.
I like these prompts because they can be used more than once, but what I write the next time will likely be different. It’s kind of interesting to see how my thoughts change, too. These prompts also give segway to other ideas.
- If I had an entire day to myself, I would …
- 3 things I appreciated today (or yesterday) were …
- I recently procrastinated on … because …
- After sitting and observing thoughts for a few moments as they flow in and out — My thoughts are about … and they make me feel …
- This week I will spend time with … and I will be fully engaged in our time by …
Choose a designated time each day — during morning coffee, right before bed, or on your lunch break and grab your pen and notebook. It can be a 3 or 30-minute activity depending on what works for you. But, specifically devoting time to you can truly change your life.
The mind is just like a muscle. The more you exercise it, the stronger it gets and the more it can expand.
