Write About It!

Have you ever had an unfavorable or stressful day, and you didn’t know how to decompress from everything that was going on? Have you ever had a great day or something eventful happen, but you didn’t get a chance to tell anyone about it yet? Or perhaps you’re not sure how to express your feelings about a situation at all and not sure what direction to head in next. In any of these situations, journaling, or writing down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, can be a mentally satisfying solution.

            Journaling is a way to start learning how to express your thoughts explicitly. The practice of writing down your thoughts and reflections is a great tool for those dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. It helps you, in a sense, think out loud and put your mental processes on paper instead of letting your thoughts overwhelm your mind. Journaling organizes your thoughts, ambitions, and makes your self-growth opportunities tangible. Sometimes being able to see your thoughts visually can make solutions to problems more obvious and also make it easier to recognize what aspects of your life have room and opportunity for growth.

 Journaling can be practiced as often or as occasional as you wish! Whether it is writing a page reflecting on your day, bullet-pointing your accomplishments throughout the week, or solidifying your yearly goals, journaling creates a hard copy of what goes on inside your head for you to reflect on and learn from.

            Here are some journal prompts that could get you started!

Daily Journal Prompts

1. How did I feel today? How did I express those emotions?
2. What was challenging today? How did I respond to those challenges?
3. What do I want to accomplish today?

Weekly Journal Prompts

1. What is something I learned this week that I can take into next week?
2. What did I learn from this week?
3. What are my priorities this week? What support do I need to prioritize those things?

Present Journal Prompts

1. What am I passionate about?
2. What is causing me stress?
3. What/who am I grateful for?

Future Journal Prompts

1. What are my long-term and short-term goals?
2. What do I need to do/what support do I need to achieve my goals?
3. Who do I want to become?

Although journaling is a great way to process your mental processes independently, talking to someone or seeking guidance helps even more! Olive Branch Counseling Associates Inc. offers a variety of services through either in-person or telehealth appointments with our highly qualified and professional therapists. Please call 708-633-8000 to book an appointment today! Our office is located at 6819 – 167^th St. in Tinley Park, Illinois 60477. It would be a pleasure to serve you!

Myleigh, undergrad intern, 2025

Olive Branch Counseling Associates, Inc.