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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Mass Amherst chapter.

Have you ever sat down and stared at your journal for twenty minutes trying to decide what to write? Then open Google or Pinterest and try to dig through the cliches to find something interesting to reflect on? To save you some time, I have thought of 50 journaling prompts to get you out of your head and writing. Journaling can help heal your mind and soul and distract you from the chaos in your life. Here are 50 journaling prompts for self-reflection.

  1. What changes in your life could benefit you right now?
  2. Describe an experience through each of your senses.
  3. What are some of my strengths?
  4. What are three things I am looking forward to in the tangible future?
  5. How could I take better care of myself?
  6. What has been giving me energy? What has been draining my energy?
  7. What are some recurring thoughts I have been having?
  8. What are you currently working through that others don’t see?
  9. What has been your happiest memory this month?
  10. What did a recent argument or conflict teach you?
  11. Which one of your parent’s personality traits do you want to keep? Let go of?
  12. Are you avoiding anything right now?
  13. Make a timeline of the most important events in your life. 
  14. What is a habit you wish you did not have and why?
  15. What is something you want to increase your knowledge about?
  16. What title would you give this chapter of your life and why?
  17. What is something you understand now that you didn’t know a year ago?
  18. What is a boundary you need to put up? 
  19.  Describe a space or room that makes you feel happy and safe.
  20. Name a tradition you look forward to every year.
  21. What is something from your childhood that has shaped who you are?
  22. List foods that bring you comfort.
  23. Reflect on the ways you use your social media.
  24. What is your love language (words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, acts of service, and physical touch)? Do you show yourself love in the same way?
  25. Write a letter to someone.
  26. What scares you the most?
  27. What is something you need less of? More of?
  28. Where can you let go of trying to be perfect?
  29. What’s the most memorable conversation you have had this week?
  30. What is an opinion you have that is non-negotiable?
  31. What kind of first impression do you want to leave?
  32. What is something you like about myself that you wish people noticed more?
  33. Write down some of the best advice you have ever received.
  34. Write down some things that ground you.
  35. Reflect on a favorite quote.
  36. What do you want to be able to say to someone when they ask, “What do you do?”
  37. What are your strengths in relationships (empathy, communication, etc.)?
  38. What do you need to feel fulfilled (in a relationship, career, etc.)?
  39. What are your career goals?
  40. What are some things that disrupt your good mood and bring you down? What strategies can you use to counter these effects?
  41. What is something that has changed in the last few months?
  42. What are some of your expectations for your future?
  43. What is a task you keep rescheduling? Reflect on why you have not done it yet.
  44. What do you feel like you are rushing in life? How could you slow down?
  45. Write a gratitude list.
  46. What are some qualities have you adopted from other people?
  47. Has anything been keeping you up at night? What can you do to release this anxiety?
  48. Do you think you are optimistic or pessimistic? Why?
  49.  Reflect on some of your defense mechanisms. Are they benefitting you or do they need to be updated?
  50. Make a mind map of everything that has been going on in your head.

Journaling can help narrow your focus and organize your thoughts. Write with intention and reflection in mind and use these journaling prompts to help create some order in your life. 

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Abbey LeClair

U Mass Amherst '22

Abbey LeClair is a senior at the University of Massachusetts - Amherst, majoring in Psychology on the Neuroscience track. She loves to spend her time hanging out with friends, listening to music, and dancing for the UMass Dance Club. Feel free to follow her on Instagram: @abbeyleclair