How to Build Confidence During Stress and Trauma Through Journaling by Tiffany Kasper, LCSW

Journaling provides us with the opportunity to fully express our thoughts and feelings attached to our experiences. This method of self-care can help with shifting our perspectives as we endure specific life circumstances, including the death of a loved one, unemployment, natural disasters, general stressful events, and even a pandemic.

Benefits of Journaling:

·       Diminishes negative thoughts and emotions and boosts your mood

·       Promotes positive feelings and ultimately helps with maintaining a positive frame of mind

·       Improves the way you understand yourself as well as your feelings, motives, and desires

·       Facilitates personal growth by developing a record of key lessons and ideas that you’ve discovered on your own

·       Enhances your overall sense of well-being

·       Assists in coping with stress and enhancing your resilience

As our day-to-day lives have been disrupted due to COVID-19, it is important that we attend to our mental health consciously and intentionally. Below are some journal prompts that can help you to incorporate journaling into your daily practice.

Journaling Prompts:

·       What good things have happened this week? What bad things have happened this week?

·       Today, my victories are...

·       What’s overwhelming me right now? How can I reduce this overwhelm?

·       What do I need to hear today? How can I uplift myself?

·       What advice do I need to give myself right now? What answers am I seeking?

·       What was my biggest learning moment this week?

·       What can I do in my life to feel better about what I learn in the news?

·       No matter how terrible my day is, these ten things can always make me feel better.

·       During tough times, I have discovered that ____ helps me the most.

·       When I’m in pain, whether it be physical or emotional, the kindest thing I can do for myself is…

·       Anxiety isn’t in control of me. I’m strong because…

·       How can I put three worries to rest?

·       When times get tough, I want to remember that…

·       Write a letter to a person/thing creating anxiety for you.

·       If you could share one message with the world, it would be…