Some days, as much as you would like to devote an hour to writing in your journal, you simply don’t have the time (learn more about how to find time to write) with work, family, exercise and a thousand other priorities competing for your attention.
Instead of guiltily putting off journaling until a day where you have a large block of free time (which might not be for awhile!), spend 10 minutes with one of these short journaling prompts. Even if you have to run when you’re in the middle of a thought, at least you’ll have a good starting point the following day. By investing just a little bit of time each day, you’ll keep your writing muscles warmed up and in shape for longer exercises in the future.
Coffee Break Journaling Prompts
1. Write, “Today, I feel…” and describe what you are experiencing at this exact moment. Tired and achy? Impatient and anxious? Calm and relaxed? Do a quick check-in with your mind and body.
2. Remember the most interesting story, fact or question you heard today. What made it stand out to you?
3. If you could have dinner tonight with one friend you haven’t seen in a long time, who would it be? Describe the qualities that you love about this person.
4. Think of the last time you laughed uncontrollably. Who were you with, and what was so funny?
5. Write about the absolute worst ____ (fill in the blank: movie, song, pick-up line, joke, book, outfit, idea…) you’ve ever come across.
6. Describe the last time you played a game like Truth or Dare or Spin the Bottle. How old were you? What happened?
7. Make a quick list of the things you are looking forward to in the next week.
8. If you could acquire the services of a chef, a personal trainer, a financial planner or a housekeeper for free for a year, which would you choose and why?
Here are some more journaling prompts from our weekly Journaling Therapy Cures Tips newsletter:
#82 Being There
Sit down someplace quiet with your Journal. Close your eyes and take as many breaths as your body asks you to take. Just hang out together. Chill. Rest assured that doing nothing doesn't mean nothing's doing.
#83 Basic Instinct
Come to your senses and use only your fingers to write in your Journal.
#84 Fast Times at Ridgemont High
Write for a set amount of time. Start the stop watch, and you write that whole time! Write upside down, write sideways, write big or small, use different colours, write from your heart, or write a quote. JUST DO NOT STOP WRITING! Write as fast as you can. Write the thought process you have while staring at the page! Don't miss one word! When the stop watch stops, close the journal and walk away. I do this for 15 minutes usually. It's exhausting, but worth it! I still have some that I haven't read!
~Mazie Bishop
You can find 100 more Journaling Prompts write here.
Which one of the journaling prompts did you use? Do you have your own in-a-pinch journaling prompts you like to use? Please share!
If you want to learn how journaling can help you tackle life's challenges, please download the free eBook, The Journaling Guide to Manage The Stress and Strains of Life.
Need help finding time for self-exploration and personal growth through journaling? The prompts in our 53 Weekly Writing Retreats instant download can help.
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