Journal Prompts For When You’re Feeling Sad, Lost Or Overwhelmed
Recently, I bought a new journal, and looking at all the blank pages waiting to be filled with the inner workings of my mind, gave me so much desire to journal even more frequently than I normally do. Ironically, at the same time, while I was busy unboxing my new journal, my life was changing in ways that kept both my mind and body even busier, so there were many words within me yearning to spill unfiltered onto the pages. Whenever I kept a journal as a kid, it came instinctively to me to write in a way that felt free flowing – a literal brain dump scattered on the page.
For the longest time, that was the way I approached journaling – like a detailed log of even what happened and how it made me feel.
However, something changed when I discovered journal prompts and their benefits. Firstly, using a journal prompt helped me write something even on days when I felt nothing of worth happened, or I had no loud emotions begging to be acknowledged. More importantly, I found prompts allow me to dig deeper and tap into thoughts and parts of myself I don’t know all too well yet.
Journaling with prompts never ceases to help me rediscover myself, especially when I’m struggling, in a rut or feeling overwhelmed by change. Which is why I want to share with you some journal prompts for when you’re feeling sad, lost or overwhelmed.
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Journal Prompts For When You’re Feeling Sad.
1. What is fuelling your feelings of sadness right now? Who or what is adding to it?
2. When was the last time you didn’t feel sad? What are three things that have changed since then?
3. What went well today? What aspects of today would you want to bottle up for tomorrow?
4. What are some qualities you admire in yourself? How would your loved ones describe you?
5. Did you notice any triggers before the wave of sadness? Were there any actions you could have taken to avoid feelings of sadness?
6. What are some things that help you cope with your feelings? Can you access them at the moment?
7. Picture a simple, good day. What does it look like to you? Are there any parts of your ideal day that you can make into reality?
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Journal Prompts For When You’re Feeling Lost.
1. How would you prioritise your time and energy if no one was watching?
2. What does the word success mean to you? How can you get on the path that leads to your version of success?
3. What small steps can you take that will draw you closer to the bigger goals you have?
4. Is there a dream you let go of that might be worth revisiting, even as a hobby?
5. When do you feel most like yourself, and how can you embrace more of that energy in your daily life?
6. If you were speaking to a friend in your position, what advice would you give them?
7. Can you identify three things that need to change or things you need to accept for you to find your way back to yourself?
Journal Prompts For When You’re Feeling Overwhelmed.
1. What do you have control over right now? List three things you are sure are within your control.
2. Do you feel under more pressure than usual? Can you identify what is causing you to feel overwhelmed?
3. Have you felt like this before? No? Has something changed recently? Yes? What are some coping mechanisms that made you feel better in the past?
4. How can you reprioritise your tasks and responsibilities to reduce the stress you feel?
5. Remember when… Recount a favourite memory that always made you smile. What made it so special?
6. When you think of the future, do you see opportunities, or do you feel dread? Why do you feel one more than the other?
7. What are some positives in your life that can bring you comfort? Do you remember to acknowledge them every now and again?
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Don’t forget, it is also okay to just feel your feelings. It’s human to feel big emotions rush through you, and it’s normal for our state of mind to shift with time and experiences. Our lives can be a treasure chest of laughter, sadness, pure joy and unbearable heartbreak; however, even when it doesn’t feel like it, it’s ours to treasure deeply.
Journaling may not solve all your problems, but it can serve as a mirror, reflecting your ever-changing emotions back to you. I hope these journal prompts help you navigate the hard times in life till you find yourself on the opposite side of sadness and anxiety.
Your restless romantic roamer
I love journalling. it really helps me to navigate my feelings. these prompts are really helpful!
https://www.everydayereen.com
Journaling is also an essential part of my weekly routine. I’m glad you find these prompts helpful x