Journal Prompts for Anxiety

Anxiety is a difficult experience that many people struggle with. At the same time, everyone’s experience of anxiety is unique. It can be helpful to reflect on how anxiety shows up in your life and how you can learn to cope. Here are some journal prompts that you can use to explore your feelings and thoughts related to anxiety:

  1. What situations or events trigger my anxiety? How do I typically respond to these triggers?

  2. What physical sensations do I experience when I feel anxious? How do these sensations affect my thoughts and behaviors?

  3. What negative thoughts or beliefs do I have about myself or the world that contribute to my anxiety? Are these thoughts based on reality or assumptions?

  4. In what ways might my anxiety be helping me? In what ways does it serve a function in my life?

  5. How do I typically cope with anxiety? Are these coping strategies effective or do they worsen my anxiety in the long run?

  6. What self-talk or affirmations can I use to help me manage my anxiety? How can I challenge negative self-talk or beliefs that fuel my anxiety?

  7. What activities or hobbies help me feel more relaxed and calm? How can I incorporate more of these activities into my daily routine?

  8. How can I practice self-care and prioritize my mental health when I'm feeling anxious?

  9. What support systems do I have in place to help me manage my anxiety? Who can I turn to for help and guidance?

  10. How can I reframe my perspective on anxiety and view it as a normal human experience rather than a weakness or flaw?

  11. What steps can I take to gradually face and overcome my fears and anxieties? How can I set achievable goals and celebrate my progress along the way?

Remember that journaling is a personal and flexible practice, so feel free to adapt these prompts to your needs and preferences. Try to approach the journaling process with curiosity and openness, and give yourself permission to explore your feelings and thoughts without judgment. If you need more support around anxiety, or are looking for a therapist in Los Angeles, I’d love to help. You can call me at (424) 231-5877 or send me a note here.

Becky Belinsky