LeStallion
LeStallion
How Can Journal Prompts Help Improve Mental Health?
What if a simple journaling habit could transform your mental health journey? In this episode, we uncover how journaling, enriched with prompts from Listallion, can serve as a roadmap to a better you. We begin by defining mental health on a deeply individual level, moving through recalling positive memories, facing challenges, and recognizing personal growth. You'll gain valuable insights into how consistent journaling can evolve your perspective on mental health and foster emotional resilience.
We also dive into practical strategies to enhance mental well-being beyond self-reflection. Learn actionable steps like improving sleep habits, engaging in enjoyable physical activities, spending time in nature, and discovering effective relaxation techniques. We emphasize the interconnectedness of mental health with all aspects of life and the role of self-awareness, resilience, and mindfulness in building a fulfilling and balanced existence. By the end, we'll leave you with a thought-provoking prompt to ponder about your future self and the life you aspire to live. Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide to a more intentional and resilient you!
Source
50 Journal Prompts For Mental Health
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Hey everyone, Welcome back. We're diving into something I think you're going to find super interesting today Journaling.
Speaker 2:Oh yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, but we're talking specifically about journaling for mental health.
Speaker 2:OK, ok, I'm intrigued.
Speaker 1:Right, everyone's heard about journaling.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's like the self-care tip these days.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:We're going a little deeper.
Speaker 2:OK.
Speaker 1:With these really cool prompts from this company, listallion, you know the ones with those gorgeous journals. Oh, I've seen those. Yeah, so pretty.
Speaker 2:Very chic.
Speaker 1:So they put together this list of prompts specifically for mental well-being, and I was really struck by how they frame it all around self-awareness.
Speaker 2:Interesting Because that's something people have been trying to get a handle on for centuries, Right? I mean think about all the diaries and journals from history, people trying to make sense of their lives, their feelings. It's fascinating.
Speaker 1:Totally. It's like this ancient practice we're rediscovering.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and the thing is, it works.
Speaker 1:When you know yourself better, you can manage your mental health so much more effectively. They even have this prompt what does mental health mean to you? Like before we even start doing anything, it's like what are we even talking?
Speaker 2:about Defining your terms right. Yes, that's so smart because it's different for everyone. For some people, mental health might be all about feeling calm and relaxed, Right, but for someone else it might mean having tons of energy and motivation. That's such a good point, but for someone else it might mean having tons of energy and motivation.
Speaker 1:That's such a good point. So by answering that question, you're basically creating like a personalized roadmap for your own well-being.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and you know, there's another prompt I really liked. Oh, what was it? Oh yeah, it was something about remembering a time you felt truly calm and peaceful. Oh, that's a good one Right Sounds almost deceptively simple.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But there's actually science behind why it works.
Speaker 1:Yeah. When you bring to mind a really vivid, positive memory, your brain kind of gets tricked into feeling some of those same emotions in the present moment. Whoa, it's like a mental vacation button. I love that I know right, Okay, but journaling isn't all sunshine and rainbows, right. Sometimes we have to deal with the tougher stuff.
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and I'm glad LaStallion addresses that. They have this whole section called your Mental Health Journey and it's all about facing those challenges head on.
Speaker 1:Yeah, there's this one prompt that I thought was really powerful. It asks what's a challenge you've overcome that made you stronger?
Speaker 2:Oh, I love that, because it's not about pretending the hard times didn't happen. It's about finding those nuggets of growth, those moments where you surprised yourself with your own strength.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It's like reframing those experiences in a way that feels empowering Right.
Speaker 2:And you know what else I thought was cool. They had this other prompt about how your understanding of mental health has changed over time.
Speaker 1:Oh, interesting, like looking back on your own personal evolution. Yeah.
Speaker 2:It's recognizing that we're always learning and growing. What we knew about mental health five years ago, even a year ago, might be totally different now.
Speaker 1:And that's okay. It's all part of the journey, exactly Okay. So we've talked about understanding ourselves better, acknowledging our journeys, but then there's that next step actually putting those insights into practice.
Speaker 2:Right, because what good is all this self-reflection if we don't do anything with it?
Speaker 1:That's where it gets really interesting, because Lestallion doesn't just leave you hanging with your thoughts and feelings. They have this whole other section on practical strategies.
Speaker 2:Oh, I like that. So it's not just about feeling good, it's about taking action.
Speaker 1:Exactly Like okay, we've done the inner work, yeah, now how do we actually make changes in our lives? And they really dive into specifics, like one of the first things they focus on is sleep.
Speaker 2:Of course Makes total sense right, absolutely. It's like foundational if you're not sleeping well.
Speaker 1:It's almost like why even bother with the rest of it?
Speaker 2:Right your mood's off. You can't focus, you're more irritable.
Speaker 1:It impacts everything, everything. Okay, so their prompt on this is how can you improve your sleep habits to support your mental health, which, like we all know, we should prioritize sleep Right, but are we really doing it?
Speaker 2:That's where the journaling comes in, though.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Because you start to see those patterns Like oh, maybe scrolling on my phone until 2.am isn't helping.
Speaker 1:Totally, or that afternoon coffee is catching up to you. It's like you're playing detective with your own bad habits.
Speaker 2:Exactly, and once you see it, you can start to make those changes.
Speaker 1:This next one feels like a classic for a reason. What type of physical activity boosts your mood the most? I mean, we hear it all the time Exercise is good for you, but it's not one size fits all right.
Speaker 2:Not at all, and that's what I like about this prompt. It's about finding what you enjoy. Some people they love running that runner's high. For others it's yoga or kickboxing, or you know it has to feel good exactly it shouldn't feel like a chore.
Speaker 1:You should feel like a celebration of what your body can do speaking of things that feel good, there's a prompt about spending time outdoors.
Speaker 2:Like again, it seems obvious nature's great, but we forget we really do, and it's amazing how restorative just being outside can be, like, like, evolutionarily it just makes sense. We're wired to feel good in nature.
Speaker 1:Totally Okay Switching gears a little bit. They also have a prompt about relaxation techniques, which hello in our world right now.
Speaker 2:That's needed right.
Speaker 1:So important, but it's almost like we have to relearn how to relax.
Speaker 2:We do, and for some people it's meditation, For others it's a hot bath, Like it's so personal.
Speaker 1:It's finding what works for you. Like you're a meditation person, I'm all about that. Bath with a good book.
Speaker 2:Exactly yeah. And you know what's cool is journaling itself can become part of that relaxation routine, Just getting those thoughts out of your head.
Speaker 1:So therapeutic.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Okay, on to another big one Healthy diet. Lestallion dedicates a whole prompt to this, connecting it back to mental health.
Speaker 2:Yeah, because it makes such a difference. And again, I think we all know this on some level, right, but when you actually start paying attention to how certain foods make you feel, oh my gosh yes. You realize how connected they really are to your mood, your energy, your focus.
Speaker 1:It's like fueling your brain. You've got to give it the good stuff.
Speaker 2:I love that analogy and journaling can help you figure out what that good stuff is for you.
Speaker 1:OK, so Lestallion gets a little goal oriented with their next prompt. They ask what's a goal you have for improving your mental health next year?
Speaker 2:I like that they give it a time frame. It makes it feel more actionable, you know.
Speaker 1:Right Like it's not just this vague idea, it's something you can actually work towards.
Speaker 2:It doesn't have to be huge. Even small, consistent changes can make a world of difference.
Speaker 1:Absolutely Small steps. Ok, back to reality for a sec. Lestallion also has a prompt about dealing with stressful times Because, let's be real, stress is part of life.
Speaker 2:Oh, it's unavoidable, right? Yeah, but this prompt is so smart because it's about being proactive.
Speaker 1:Instead of just reacting when you're already stressed.
Speaker 2:Exactly so. It asks how do you prepare for stressful times Like how do you build up that resilience before you need it?
Speaker 1:It's like packing a mental health first aid kit.
Speaker 2:I love that.
Speaker 1:Okay, ready for this. The next section is all about mindfulness and I have to say I was geeky excited about this part.
Speaker 2:As you should be. Mindfulness is so powerful Just taking those moments to be fully present, without judgment.
Speaker 1:Their prompt on this is so simple but effective Practice mindfulness. What sounds, smells and sights do you notice right now?
Speaker 2:It's bringing your attention to the here and now, because it's so easy to get caught up in our thoughts, worries, plans, right. Oh yeah, and we miss out on what's actually happening around us.
Speaker 1:Totally. We were talking about those mental vacations earlier. This is like a micro version of that, just taking a break from the mental chatter and tuning into your senses.
Speaker 2:I love that. A mindfulness micro vacation.
Speaker 1:I think we should workshop that. Yeah, okay, they also have a prompt about mindfulness practices. How do you practice being present in the moment, because it's going to look different for everyone, right?
Speaker 2:Absolutely, and there are so many ways to practice mindfulness. It doesn't have to be formal meditation, although that's great too. It can be mindful walking, paying attention to your breath, just noticing the little things throughout your day.
Speaker 1:Right Finding those moments of presence wherever you can.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And then they encourage you to get specific what mindfulness exercises do you find most effective?
Speaker 1:Oh, I like that, like what's in your mindfulness toolkit.
Speaker 2:Yes, Because it's good to have options right, Depending on what you're feeling, what the situation calls for. Some days you might need a full on guided meditation.
Speaker 1:And some days just a few deep breaths will do the trick.
Speaker 2:Exactly Now. This next prompt. It really speaks to me because it's all about visualization. They ask you to write about a peaceful place you like to visit in your mind when stressed, oh, I love that.
Speaker 1:It's like your mental escape hatch.
Speaker 2:It is, and it can be real or imagined A beach, a forest, a mountaintop, just somewhere that evokes a sense of peace and calm. The more vividly you describe it in your journal, the more real it will feel.
Speaker 1:It's like creating your own personal mental sanctuary.
Speaker 2:Exactly. And speaking of journaling, Lestowman brings it back to the practice itself with this question how do journaling or writing help?
Speaker 1:you manage your emotions. It's like a nice little check-in. Because it's easy to like breeze past the actual act of journaling it is but just the act of getting those thoughts and feelings out of your head and onto the page.
Speaker 2:Oh, it can be such a release.
Speaker 1:It is. It helps us process, make sense of things, gain some perspective.
Speaker 2:Totally Okay. This next one feels very of the moment. Listallion asks.
Speaker 1:Describe how you feel after a day without any digital devices. The digital detox so important, right, because we're so bombarded with information, notifications, all of it.
Speaker 2:All the time it's exhausting.
Speaker 1:We carry all that mental stimulation around with us constantly. So this prompt is about disconnecting even just for a little bit and seeing how that feels.
Speaker 2:Because sometimes the most fulfilling experiences happen offline 100% Okay.
Speaker 1:Getting back to that idea of trying new things, Lestallion also has a prompt about that what's something new W you'd like to try that might improve your mental health?
Speaker 2:It's about staying curious, right Like always, be open to new experiences, new ways of doing things, new ways of thinking.
Speaker 1:Exactly. It could be as simple as trying a new recipe or taking a different route to work. It doesn't have to be some big life-altering thing.
Speaker 2:It's about those little shifts in perspective.
Speaker 1:And you never know that one little change could lead to something amazing.
Speaker 2:Exactly Okay. Now this next prompt feels like a good one to circle back to, since we've talked about stress a bit already. The Stallion asks how do you remind yourself to stay positive during tough times?
Speaker 1:Because, again, those tough times are going to come right. It's part of life.
Speaker 2:It is. But it's about having those strategies in place, those go-to reminders that help you stay afloat when things get choppy.
Speaker 1:And it's going to be different for everyone. For some people it's gratitude, for others it's connecting with loved ones.
Speaker 2:Right or listening to your favorite music, spending time in nature, whatever helps you tap into those positive emotions.
Speaker 1:It's like having those mental health tools ready to go when you need them. Ok, ready for the grand finale. This last prompt from Lestallion is a big one. Hit me with it.
Speaker 2:Reflect on what mental health means in your life's big picture. Ooh, okay, yeah, that's good, because it's not just about how you feel today, right, it's about the long game.
Speaker 1:Exactly like how does prioritizing your mental wellbeing actually impact the kind of life you're building for yourself?
Speaker 2:It's acknowledging that mental health isn't separate from all the other stuff your relationships, your career. It's all connected.
Speaker 1:It's like the foundation for everything else.
Speaker 2:Right, a hundred percent. Yeah, if your foundation is shaky, it doesn't matter what you build on top of it, you're going to have problems.
Speaker 1:That's such a good analogy In this prompt. I think it helps you figure out. Okay, is my foundation strong? Does it need some work?
Speaker 2:Right, or are you building your dream life on a foundation of, like stress and burnout?
Speaker 1:Which? Or are you building your dream life on a foundation of, like, stress and burnout, which, let's be honest, many of us are guilty of at some point, right?
Speaker 2:Oh, totally yeah, but that's why these conversations are so important.
Speaker 1:So true, well, I think we've covered a ton today.
Speaker 2:We really have.
Speaker 1:We talked about self-awareness, reflection, action, resilience, mindfulness.
Speaker 2:All the good stuff and these Lestallion prompts. They're like these little nuggets of wisdom. They really are. And it makes me realize that journaling it's not just for people who like love to write or whatever.
Speaker 1:It's a tool that anyone can use. I completely agree. It's for anyone who wants to understand themselves better, live a more intentional life, all of that.
Speaker 2:So, before we wrap up, I want to leave you with one final thought, something to ponder. If you were to start journaling consistently, what kind of future self do you think it might help you to become?
Speaker 1:Oh, that's good. Like who's that future you waiting to be discovered?
Speaker 2:Exactly what might they have to teach you?
Speaker 1:I love that and, on that note, I think it's time for us to do a little journaling ourselves. Thanks for listening everyone, and happy journaling.