20 Journal Prompts that WILL Generate Healthy Habits

By Kat Eftink

Writing can transform your life. It’s more than just putting a pen on paper. It’s a way to give yourself permission to express emotion. Whether you’re writing about mental clutter, setting goals, or daily experiences, you’re creating a space to freely put everything out there allowing yourself to process, understand, and grow.

“When you have a problem and you’re stressed, keeping a journal can help you identify what’s causing that stress or anxiety. Once you’ve identified your stressors, you can work on a plan to resolve the problems and reduce your stress,” according to the University of Rochester Medical Center.

Not only is it a way to make your problems tangible, it’s also a way to help you become more committed and see how far you’ve come. So, here are 20 journal prompts that will generate healthy habits: 

1. What are three healthy habits I’d like to start this month, and why?
2. How do I feel after a day of eating nutritious foods?
3. What does my ideal morning routine look like, and how can I make it a reality?
4. What small change can I make today to improve my physical or mental health?
5. List five activities that help me reduce stress. How can I do more of them?
6. How much sleep am I getting each night, and how does it affect my energy levels?
7. What is my biggest obstacle to living a healthier lifestyle, and how can I overcome it?
8. How do I usually talk to myself when I’m trying to make a change, and how can I be more encouraging?
9. What’s one healthy habit I used to have that I’d like to bring back into my life?
10. How can I practice more mindfulness in my daily routine?
11. What are three ways I can make exercise more enjoyable?
12. How does my environment affect my ability to stick to healthy habits?
13. What are my favorite healthy foods, and how can I incorporate them into my meals more often?
14. How can I celebrate my progress in developing healthier habits without using food as a reward?
15. How does technology impact my health, both positively and negatively? 
16. What can I do to create a healthier work-life balance?
17. How can I stay motivated when I don’t see immediate results from my efforts?
18. How do I handle setbacks, and how can I turn them into learning experiences?
19. How does hydration affect my mood and energy levels throughout the day?
20. What is my “why” for wanting to live a healthier lifestyle, and how can I remind myself of it daily?

If you want to change your life but don’t know where to start, begin by writing it down. Reflect on where you’re at now and where you want to be. Soon enough, your words will become reality, and you’ll see and feel the difference.