Writing Prompts to Relieve Stress & Calm Anxiety

Learning how to live through a global pandemic while fighting for social justice and trying to figure out what school and work will be like in the coming weeks is exhausting and overwhelming. Journaling is a powerful tool that can help relieve stress and calm anxiety. Below are several journaling prompts to help you express your thoughts and feelings, spark conversations, boost creativity, and instill gratitude and hope. A journal is your safe space for honest reflection, so as you complete your writing prompts, allow yourself to feel whatever emotions you feel.

Living through a global pandemic

1. How has the pandemic disrupted your daily life? What do you miss the most?
2. What have you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
3. What are you afraid of right now?
4. If you could choose one word to describe 2020, what would it be and why?
5. What new habits or routines have you started since the pandemic?
6. What are you looking forward to, or dreading about the upcoming school year?

Social Justice

1. What are your thoughts and opinions about the recent protests that have sparked across the United States and around the world? Did you participate in a protest in your city? Why or why not?
2. What social justice issues are you passionate about or would like to learn more about and why?
3. Who are the people you look to and learn from right now? Who do you follow on Instagram?
4. Have you ever been treated unfairly because of your race, your religion, your gender, the way you look, or just because you are "different"? Write about a time you were treated unfairly. How did you react? How did it make you feel?
5. If you could change one thing about the world what would it be and why?
6. Do you ever talk about issues of race and class with your friends?
7. If you had the opportunity to speak with your elected officials (mayor, governor, senator, or president), what questions would you ask?

Gratitude, Inspiration, and Hope

1. What gives you hope about the situation we are in?
2. Make a list of five things you feel grateful for right now.
3. What is the best advice that you have ever received from someone?
4. Who are you heroes and what do you admire about them?
5. Make a list of 10 great things you have seen, read, or heard that made you smile, laugh, or cry (happy tears).
6. What personal achievements are you most proud of and why?
7. What are the top five songs you are listening to right now? How do they make you feel?

Learn more:

• How to Start Journaling with an App
• Tips for Staying Healthy and Stress-Free
• Free Meditation and Anxiety Apps
• Self-care Tips From The Get Schooled Team