35 Mindfulness Journal Prompts for Students and Adults

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You’re often told that you should journal for the sake of being more mindful. However, you’re drawing a blank. In fact, you might wonder:

What should I write about?

Or:

What prompts can help my focus more on the present moment?

Fortunately, this article can help.

Here, you’ll discover 35 mindfulness journal prompts will make it easier for you to focus in on what’s truly important to you.

But first, let’s start with a quick definition.

(Side note: One of the best ways to increase your happiness and life satisfaction is to plan your day, so you focus on your TOP goals. To get started, watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important.)

What are Mindfulness Journal Prompts?

Mindfulness journal prompts make it easy to explore who you are and what’s on your mind through the written word. Journaling is one of the most effective ways to practice mindfulness. It allows you to contemplate more about what’s going on in your life and ensure that you’re aware of every decision that you make.

As you journal more regularly, it will allow you to live in the present. It can help you reduce anxiety and stress in your personal and professional life simply because of understanding more about what it is that you’re doing.

So now let’s talk about 35 mindfulness prompts you can include in one of your next journaling sessions.

1. What are the 3 things I do best?

Now is not the time to be bashful. Since no one else is reading your journal, this is the time to pat yourself on the back. Talk about what things you feel that you can do better than anyone else – and be specific as you want.

2. Discuss your biggest pet peeve.

There’s something that bothers you. Whether it’s something about a particular individual or it is something that society does, in general, let it be known. Dig into why it is that it bothers you so much.

3. What do I procrastinate about?

Talk about the various things you procrastinate about – chores, tasks at work, and more. Be honest about why you choose to put them off over and over again.

4. What is the highlight of my day, week, or month?

What is it that you look forward to? It could be a person, an event, or even a TV show. Identify the various things that can help you to make it through a tough day or week.

5. If I could have one day off to do whatever I wanted, what would I do?

Money is no object. You can go anywhere and do anything. How would you choose to spend the next 24 hours?

6. Who is my best friend and why?

Out of all of the people you have met and who is actively involved in your life, who do you identify as your best friend?

7. What is the thought or belief that I live my life by?

There may be a singular truth that you live by. These may be considered the words that you live by.

8. How do I have an impact on those around me?

Do you engage in community service? Are you in a supervisory role? How do you impact those around you, positively or negatively?

9. What did I eat for breakfast, and what did it taste like?

You should be in the present and know what you’re doing and what you’re feeding your body. Think about breakfast. Identify every flavor.

10. If I could be any animal for a day, what would I be? Why?

Animals tend to represent the freedom we want to have. What traits does that animal have that you want in your own life?

11. What is the biggest risk I’ve ever taken?

Risk-taking can say a lot about a person. Whether it was a risk at work or an adrenaline-rushing activity, what risk did you take, and was it worth it?

12. Explain, in detail, a typical morning.

Be cognizant of your morning routine. From the moment you wake up until the moment you go to work, identify the various tasks that you complete.

13. What 5 things make me smile?

Make a list of the various things that will put a smile on your face.

14. What piece of advice would I give my 16-year-old self?

If you could have a conversation with your 16-year-old self, what would you say to make life a little bit easier or to have a more positive impact on your future?

15. When is the last time I cried, and why?

Crying may be easy or hard for you. How long ago did you cry and what was the reason for it?

16. What makes me unhappy about my job?

Whether you work for a company, work at home, or even volunteer, detail the various aspects that make you unhappy.

17. How easy is it for me to admit when I’m wrong?

On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being nearly impossible to admit, how easily will you admit to being wrong? Why do you think that is?

18. Use 10 words to describe physical attributes.

Look in the mirror. Use 10 words to describe some of your physical attributes. Then, consider whether you are looking at yourself too harshly.

19. List 5 things to say “no” to.

Saying “no” can be nearly impossible and lead to more stress. Consider what you would say “no” to if you could.

20. Identify 7 things seen when driving around town.

Be aware of your surroundings. On your next drive or walk, list seven things that you observe.

21. Describe my most recent dream.

Close your eyes and think about what you dreamt about. Be as specific as you can. Then, analyze the dream to see what you think it’s trying to tell you.

22. Am I happy with the amount of sleep I get at night?

How many hours of sleep are you getting? If you aren’t getting enough sleep, think about why.

23. If I could say anything to anyone, what would I say?

This is a chance for you to be brutally honest. Are you going to give someone kudos for a job well done? Are you going to tell a co-worker what a crappy job they do? Your journal allows you to get it all out.

24. What’s the mantra that I should say again and again?

A mantra is a great way to convince yourself that you have the power to be who you want to be. What’s the phrase you would choose to have on repeat?

25. When is the last time I felt motivated and rested?

Think about how long ago it was when you woke up feeling rested and ready to face the day.

26. Who would I spend the day with, and what would we do?

Living or dead, who would you want to spend 24 hours with, and what activities would you participate in? Why did you choose that person?

27. Close your eyes. List everything that you hear for 2 minutes.

Live in the moment. Identify every sound that you hear over the span of two minutes.

28. Write a warning notice that you could give to people before they meet you.

If someone’s going to meet you, what warning would you give them so they know what to expect? Don’t hold back.

29. Write out a resume but include personality characteristics instead of positions held.

Instead of focusing on the positions that you have held, focus on the personality traits that you possess.

30. Explain a favorite food and what makes it so special.

If you could have a chef make you any food, what would it be? What are the flavors? Does the meal have any special meaning to you?

31. Name one thing I’ve splurged on and why it was important.

If you could treat yourself to something, anything, what would it be? Why did you choose that item?

32. If I had a time machine, where would I go?

Past or future, where and when would you go? What would you do when you got there?

33. If I could go back to school and study anything, what would I do?

Now’s the chance to learn a new skill or hobby. What would you choose to study?

34. What would I do with an hour of free time?

You suddenly have an hour where you have no place to be and no obligations. How are you spending that hour? Are you happy with the way you’re spending it?

35. When is the last time I took a “Me” day?

Self-care is an important part of being healthy. Identify your last “me” day and what it included.

Final Thoughts on Mindfulness Journal Prompts

As you journal with more regularity, you’ll find that it’s easier to stay in control of what’s going on in your life. You can express more gratitude. You can possess more understanding. More importantly, you can keep your stress and anxiety in check.

There’s no need to be overwhelmed by the task of journaling. By using the various mindfulness journal prompts, you’ll always have something to write about.

Finally, if you want to increase your happiness and life satisfaction, then watch this free video that details the 7-minute habit for planning your day to focus on what's important.