As numbers continue to rise across the country and world, the mental and emotional toll is wearing on all of us. This can be especially overwhelming as we head into the darker, colder months of winter. It’s truly something we could have never anticipated.

By now you have probably already created a toolkit of self-care practices and strategies to get by. Personally, I have turned to walking outside, playing with my pups and my sacred PM ritual which now includes journaling.

You probably cannot stomach any more of these “unprecedented, difficult times, prioritize self care” cliches, so let’s get to the point.

You can learn more about my PM routine here.

Why Journal?

If you are already a lifetime journalist, great. If the last time you journaled consisted of your third grade crush’s name in hearts, that’s okay too! Journaling can be an extremely powerful tool in balancing your emotional and mental health. It calms the mind, releases negative feelings, works through triggers, and can balance anxiety/stress. One study showed just three days of expressive writing (20 minutes/day) a week reduced the symptoms of depression.

If you are like me and feel like a blank page alone with your thoughts is too intimidating, do not fear, journal prompts are here (good lord, now I’m rhyming? Jesus take the wheel)!

other pro-tips

keep your journal on you bed stand or somewhere you can see it.
incorporate a few minutes of journaling into your AM or PM routine.
journaling can look different every day based on your daily or personal needs. The prompts below can help guide you and provide some clarity.

Grab your journal, pen, cozy blanket and cup of tea (or wine). Let’s jump in.

25 Journal Prompts for Winter in Quarantine

Sorting Emotions

Let’s face it, there has been a lot of sh*t to process the last few months. Life has changed incredibly. Work is different. School is different. Relationships are different. Almost every aspect of life is different, in almost every possible way.

We are all processing this the best we can, so here are some prompts to warm you up.

Sadness

Through all of this, it’s normal to feel a mixture of things. We are in the middle of a pandemic after all, and between the morbid news and sad reality of the world, it’s okay to be upset and feel loss. In fact, one third of American’s have reported feelings of depression and/or anxiety (CDC, 2020).

Anxiety

If it’s not bouts of sadness, anxiety has been my darkest enemy the past six months. It creeps up out of no where has left me paralyzed in fear, uncontrollably crying or unable to sleep.

When things feel increasingly unstable and unpredictable, it’s crucial to acknowledge it and work through it.

If you are wanting more, check out my Top Ten Grounding Practices.

Self-Love

If you are one of those people using this time to start a business, learn Polish or renovate your kitchen, god bless you. For the rest of us, please know you do not have to put extra pressure on yourself. We are surviving, and now more than ever, you need to be kind to yourself and give yourself space to just be.

Holiday Stress

The holidays already bring an enormous amount of stress. Throw a pandemic on top of this with family that doesn’t believe in masks or pressures you to attend in-person events, equals potential disaster for your well-being.

Know it’s okay to be disappointed (or happy) about changing holiday plans. Most importantly, stick to your boundaries regarding gatherings and do what makes you comfortable.

For more on Holiday wellness, check out my 10 Tips for Your Holiday To-DON’T List.

There you have it! I hope you can make a habit of carving special time for yourself to journal these emotions and feelings out. We are living through history, so worst case, you have depressing but maybe uplifting words to look back on one day.

If you are looking for other ways to prioritize your mental health this winter, check out my post here on beating the winter blues.

Yes, it’s normal to have some days when you feel down, however when you can’t find motivation to do your usual activities, see the resources below or talk to a licensed healthcare practitioner who can provide treatment or referrals to a counselor or therapist.

Stay safe and please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any specific questions, thoughts or ideas. Feel free to drop me a line in the comments or find me on social media, I’d love to hear from you!

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resources

Learn the warning sides of suicide and how to help loved ones in need

If you feel overwhelmed beyond your limits by sadness, depression, or anxiety, if you have had hurting or killing yourself, call 911. You can also call or text one of these crisis hotlines for immediate response:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Live Online Chat . If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Trained crisis workers are available to talk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

SAMHSA Treatment Referral Helpline: 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727). Get general information on mental health and locate treatment services in your area. Speak to a live person, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.