Note To Self: Why Not Take Up Journaling in Quarantine?
Whenever I’m going through a rough patch or I’m in a funk, I turn to journaling. Getting all my feelz out there into the universe and down on the page can feel like an enormous weight lifted. When I journal, I usually just word-vomit my thoughts with no filter, no compulsive grammar checking every five seconds, and no rules as to where my rant may lead me. On numerous occasions, this method has helped me embrace my strengths, recognize my weaknesses, and work to the root of an issue. While this may not feel super comfy to you—I realize not all of us were English majors, although I don’t understand why—we’re all in quarantine, trying to find new activities to keep ourselves and our loved ones busy that (ideally) stimulate our minds and alleviate stress… so I feel like now is the perfect time to give it the ole’ college try. Who knows... you may love it!
Journaling aimlessly can be counterproductive, so I’ve compiled some journaling prompts I like to turn to when I’m stressed or anxious. I hope these prompts help you organize your thoughts and open up to yourself.
List 5 things you are grateful for today. Give each thing a lil’ appreciation blurb.
List 5 good things that happened in your day—nothing is too small! (Ex: My dog Franklin did not have an accident on my white rug.)
Write down everything that is stressing you out right now—no filter, no grammar checks, inventive spelling.
List 5 coping mechanisms you can turn to in a time of stress. (Ex: Meditating, Baking, Bopping to old school Taylor Swift)
Write down this positive affirmation: “I choose to let go of everything I cannot control, including… (list everything out of your control that contributes to your stress)”
Write about one place you would love to travel to when this is all over, and why.
What is one longterm goal you would like to aim for? How can you get there? Baby steps, plz.
Write yourself a letter forgiving yourself for something that happened in your past.
Recall something that really terrified you. What about it frightened you so much?
Write a review of your favorite book or movie. Why do you love it? What resonates with you so much?
Write a letter to your younger self, perhaps when you were just beginning high school.
Write in detail about your ideal post-quarantine day (!!) filled with only the things, people and places that make you most happy.
File these journal entries in a Coronavirus time capsule to revisit when times are less spooky.
