Journaling prompts for beginners

How to start journaling as a beginner

The hardest part of journaling is the first line. These steps make it easy. For a full guide, read how to start a journal.

1. Choose where to writeAny notebook works, or use our free online diary in your browser. No sign up, and pages stay on your device.
2. Set a five minute timerA short timer takes the pressure off. You only have to write until it rings.
3. Pick an easy promptStart with the warm ups below. They ask about simple things, so the words come easily.
4. Do not editSpelling, grammar and neat handwriting do not matter. Just keep going.
5. Come back tomorrowWrite at about the same time each day. It becomes a habit in a few weeks.

Easy warm up prompts

These take two minutes and need zero deep thinking. They are perfect for your very first entry.

1. Describe where I am sitting right now using all five senses.Write
2. What did I have for lunch, and would I eat it again?Write
3. What is the weather like, and how does it make me feel?Write
4. Write down three things I can see from where I am.Write
5. What song have I heard most this week?Write
6. What is on my to do list that I keep skipping?Write
7. What is the last thing that made me laugh out loud?Write
8. Describe my favorite mug, sweater or blanket.Write
9. What is one thing I bought recently, and do I like it?Write
10. What was the last text I sent, and who was it to?Write
11. Write about my favorite season and why I love it.Write
12. What did I do last weekend?Write

Journal ideas for beginners: all about me

1. Write a short introduction to myself as if I were meeting a new friend.Write
2. What are three things I am good at?Write
3. What is my favorite way to spend an evening?Write
4. What was I like as a child?Write
5. What is a food I loved as a kid and still love now?Write
6. What is my favorite place in my town?Write
7. Describe my perfect day from start to finish.Write
8. What is something most people do not know about me?Write
9. What are my comfort movies, books or shows?Write
10. What hobby would I try if I had more time?Write
11. What is a smell that brings back a memory?Write
12. What is one thing I would like to get better at?Write

Simple list prompts

Lists are the easiest way to journal. No full sentences needed.

1. 10 things that make me happy.Write
2. 5 places I want to visit.Write
3. Songs that remind me of a certain year.Write
4. Books or shows I want to try next.Write
5. Small things I can do when I am bored.Write
6. People I am glad I met.Write
7. Foods I want to learn to cook.Write
8. Things I have done that I was nervous about at first.Write
9. My favorite smells.Write
10. Things I would put in my dream house.Write
11. Little things that make a day better.Write
12. Questions I would ask my grandparents.Write

Beginner prompts about memories

1. Write about a birthday I remember well.Write
2. What was my first job or chore, and what did I learn?Write
3. Describe a favorite holiday memory.Write
4. Who was my favorite teacher, and why?Write
5. Write about a trip, even a short one, that I loved.Write
6. What is the first home I remember living in?Write
7. What was my favorite game growing up?Write
8. Describe a day when everything went right.Write
9. What is a family story that gets told again and again?Write
10. Write about the first time I did something on my own.Write
11. What did summer feel like when I was ten?Write

Easy prompts about feelings

Once you are comfortable, try writing a little about how you feel. Keep it simple.

1. How am I feeling right now, in one word? Now explain that word.Write
2. What is one thing that annoyed me this week? Why did it bother me?Write
3. When did I feel calm recently?Write
4. What do I do when I feel bored, and does it help?Write
5. What is something I am nervous about?Write
6. Who do I miss right now?Write
7. What is a small thing that made me feel cared for?Write
8. What does a good day feel like to me?Write
9. What helps me feel better after a bad day?Write
10. What is something I am excited to try?Write

Simple prompts about the future

1. What is one thing I want to do this month?Write
2. Where do I see myself living in a few years?Write
3. What is a small habit I would like to start?Write
4. What is one goal I could reach by the end of the week?Write
5. What would I like to learn next?Write
6. What kind of trip do I want to take next?Write
7. What is something I want to buy or save up for?Write
8. Who do I want to spend more time with?Write
9. What do I want to remember about this year?Write
10. What would make next week a little better than this one?Write

Tips for new journal writers

• Start with five minutes. Short sessions are easier to keep up than long ones.
• Tie it to a habit. Write right after your morning coffee or right before bed.
• Do not wait to feel inspired. A prompt does the thinking for you. Just answer it.
• Try different styles. A one line a day journal, a gratitude journal or a bullet journal might fit you better than long entries.
• Read back after a month. You will be surprised what you remember and how you have changed.

Still not sure what to write? See what to write in a journal, browse our daily journal prompts, or look at journal examples to see real entries.

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