October 7, 2024 • 13 mins
50 Journal Prompts For Mental Health
What if a simple journaling habit could transform your mental health journey? In this episode, we uncover how journaling, enriched with prompts from Listallion, can serve as a roadmap to a better you. We begin by defining mental health on a deeply individual level, moving through recalling positive memories, facing challenges, and recognizing personal growth. You'll gain valuable insights into how consistent journaling can evolve your perspective on mental health and foster emotional resilience.
We also dive into practical strategies to enhance mental well-being beyond self-reflection. Learn actionable steps like improving sleep habits, engaging in enjoyable physical activities, spending time in nature, and discovering effective relaxation techniques. We emphasize the interconnectedness of mental health with all aspects of life and the role of self-awareness, resilience, and mindfulness in building a fulfilling and balanced existence. By the end, we'll leave you with a thought-provoking prompt to ponder about your future self and the life you aspire to live. Don't miss out on this comprehensive guide to a more intentional and resilient you!
Source
50 Journal Prompts For Mental Health
LeStallion offers premium PU leather journal notebooks for writing, dedicated to all those who are pursuing their dreams and goals, or nurturing their personal development and mental health.
For More Info on LeStallion, check out:
https://lestallion.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hey everyone, Welcome back.
We're diving into something Ithink you're going to find super
interesting today Journaling.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Yeah, but we're talking specifically about
journaling for mental health.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
OK, ok, I'm intrigued .
Speaker 1 (00:13):
Right, everyone's heard about journaling.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Right.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
It's like the self-care tip these days.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
We're going a little deeper.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
OK.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
With these really cool prompts from this company,
listallion, you know the oneswith those gorgeous journals.
Oh, I've seen those.
Yeah, so pretty.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Very chic.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
So they put together this list of prompts
specifically for mentalwell-being, and I was really
struck by how they frame it allaround self-awareness.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Interesting Because that's something people have
been trying to get a handle onfor centuries, Right?
I mean think about all thediaries and journals from
history, people trying to makesense of their lives, their
feelings.
It's fascinating.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Totally.
It's like this ancient practicewe're rediscovering.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Exactly, and the thing is, it works.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
When you know yourself better, you can manage
your mental health so much moreeffectively.
They even have this prompt whatdoes mental health mean to you?
Like before we even start doinganything, it's like what are we
even talking?
Speaker 2 (01:10):
about Defining your terms right.
Yes, that's so smart becauseit's different for everyone.
For some people, mental healthmight be all about feeling calm
and relaxed, Right, but forsomeone else it might mean
having tons of energy andmotivation.
That's such a good point, butfor someone else it might mean
having tons of energy andmotivation.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
That's such a good point.
So by answering that question,you're basically creating like a
personalized roadmap for yourown well-being.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Exactly, and you know , there's another prompt I
really liked.
Oh, what was it?
Oh yeah, it was something aboutremembering a time you felt
truly calm and peaceful.
Oh, that's a good one RightSounds almost deceptively simple
.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
But there's actually science behind why it works.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Yeah.
When you bring to mind a reallyvivid, positive memory, your
brain kind of gets tricked intofeeling some of those same
emotions in the present moment.
Whoa, it's like a mentalvacation button.
I love that I know right, Okay,but journaling isn't all
sunshine and rainbows, right.
Sometimes we have to deal withthe tougher stuff.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Absolutely, and I'm glad LaStallion addresses that.
They have this whole sectioncalled your Mental Health
Journey and it's all aboutfacing those challenges head on.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Yeah, there's this one prompt that I thought was
really powerful.
It asks what's a challengeyou've overcome that made you
stronger?
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Oh, I love that, because it's not about
pretending the hard times didn'thappen.
It's about finding thosenuggets of growth, those moments
where you surprised yourselfwith your own strength.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Exactly.
It's like reframing thoseexperiences in a way that feels
empowering Right.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
And you know what else I thought was cool.
They had this other promptabout how your understanding of
mental health has changed overtime.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Oh, interesting, like looking back on your own
personal evolution.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
It's recognizing that we're always learning and
growing.
What we knew about mentalhealth five years ago, even a
year ago, might be totallydifferent now.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
And that's okay.
It's all part of the journey,exactly Okay.
So we've talked aboutunderstanding ourselves better,
acknowledging our journeys, butthen there's that next step
actually putting those insightsinto practice.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Right, because what good is all this self-reflection
if we don't do anything with it?
Speaker 1 (03:17):
That's where it gets really interesting, because
Lestallion doesn't just leaveyou hanging with your thoughts
and feelings.
They have this whole othersection on practical strategies.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Oh, I like that.
So it's not just about feelinggood, it's about taking action.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Exactly Like okay, we've done the inner work, yeah,
now how do we actually makechanges in our lives?
And they really dive intospecifics, like one of the first
things they focus on is sleep.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Of course Makes total sense right, absolutely.
It's like foundational ifyou're not sleeping well.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
It's almost like why even bother with the rest of it?
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Right your mood's off .
You can't focus, you're moreirritable.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
It impacts everything , everything.
Okay, so their prompt on thisis how can you improve your
sleep habits to support yourmental health, which, like we
all know, we should prioritizesleep Right, but are we really
doing it?
Speaker 2 (04:04):
That's where the journaling comes in, though.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Because you start to see those patterns Like oh,
maybe scrolling on my phoneuntil 2.am isn't helping.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Totally, or that afternoon coffee is catching up
to you.
It's like you're playingdetective with your own bad
habits.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Exactly, and once you see it, you can start to make
those changes.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
This next one feels like a classic for a reason.
What type of physical activityboosts your mood the most?
I mean, we hear it all the timeExercise is good for you, but
it's not one size fits all right.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Not at all, and that's what I like about this
prompt.
It's about finding what youenjoy.
Some people they love runningthat runner's high.
For others it's yoga orkickboxing, or you know it has
to feel good exactly itshouldn't feel like a chore.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
You should feel like a celebration of what your body
can do speaking of things thatfeel good, there's a prompt
about spending time outdoors.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Like again, it seems obvious nature's great, but we
forget we really do, and it'samazing how restorative just
being outside can be, like, like, evolutionarily it just makes
sense.
We're wired to feel good innature.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
Totally Okay Switching gears a little bit.
They also have a prompt aboutrelaxation techniques, which
hello in our world right now.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
That's needed right.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
So important, but it's almost like we have to
relearn how to relax.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
We do, and for some people it's meditation, For
others it's a hot bath, Likeit's so personal.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
It's finding what works for you.
Like you're a meditation person, I'm all about that.
Bath with a good book.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Exactly yeah.
And you know what's cool isjournaling itself can become
part of that relaxation routine,Just getting those thoughts out
of your head.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
So therapeutic.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Okay, on to another big one Healthy diet.
Lestallion dedicates a wholeprompt to this, connecting it
back to mental health.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Yeah, because it makes such a difference.
And again, I think we all knowthis on some level, right, but
when you actually start payingattention to how certain foods
make you feel, oh my gosh yes.
You realize how connected theyreally are to your mood, your
energy, your focus.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
It's like fueling your brain.
You've got to give it the goodstuff.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
I love that analogy and journaling can help you
figure out what that good stuffis for you.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
OK, so Lestallion gets a little goal oriented with
their next prompt.
They ask what's a goal you havefor improving your mental
health next year?
Speaker 2 (06:22):
I like that they give it a time frame.
It makes it feel moreactionable, you know.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Right Like it's not just this vague idea, it's
something you can actually worktowards.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
It doesn't have to be huge.
Even small, consistent changescan make a world of difference.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Absolutely Small steps.
Ok, back to reality for a sec.
Lestallion also has a promptabout dealing with stressful
times Because, let's be real,stress is part of life.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Oh, it's unavoidable, right?
Yeah, but this prompt is sosmart because it's about being
proactive.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Instead of just reacting when you're already
stressed.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Exactly so.
It asks how do you prepare forstressful times Like how do you
build up that resilience beforeyou need it?
Speaker 1 (07:02):
It's like packing a mental health first aid kit.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Okay, ready for this.
The next section is all aboutmindfulness and I have to say I
was geeky excited about thispart.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
As you should be.
Mindfulness is so powerful Justtaking those moments to be
fully present, without judgment.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Their prompt on this is so simple but effective
Practice mindfulness.
What sounds, smells and sightsdo you notice right now?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
It's bringing your attention to the here and now,
because it's so easy to getcaught up in our thoughts,
worries, plans, right.
Oh yeah, and we miss out onwhat's actually happening around
us.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Totally.
We were talking about thosemental vacations earlier.
This is like a micro version ofthat, just taking a break from
the mental chatter and tuninginto your senses.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
I love that.
A mindfulness micro vacation.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
I think we should workshop that.
Yeah, okay, they also have aprompt about mindfulness
practices.
How do you practice beingpresent in the moment, because
it's going to look different foreveryone, right?
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Absolutely, and there are so many ways to practice
mindfulness.
It doesn't have to be formalmeditation, although that's
great too.
It can be mindful walking,paying attention to your breath,
just noticing the little thingsthroughout your day.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Right Finding those moments of presence wherever you
can.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Exactly.
And then they encourage you toget specific what mindfulness
exercises do you find mosteffective?
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Oh, I like that, like what's in your mindfulness
toolkit.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Yes, Because it's good to have options right,
Depending on what you're feeling, what the situation calls for.
Some days you might need a fullon guided meditation.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
And some days just a few deep breaths will do the
trick.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Exactly Now.
This next prompt.
It really speaks to me becauseit's all about visualization.
They ask you to write about apeaceful place you like to visit
in your mind when stressed, oh,I love that.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
It's like your mental escape hatch.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
It is, and it can be real or imagined A beach, a
forest, a mountaintop, justsomewhere that evokes a sense of
peace and calm.
The more vividly you describeit in your journal, the more
real it will feel.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
It's like creating your own personal mental
sanctuary.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Exactly.
And speaking of journaling,Lestowman brings it back to the
practice itself with thisquestion how do journaling or
writing help?
Speaker 1 (09:13):
you manage your emotions.
It's like a nice littlecheck-in.
Because it's easy to likebreeze past the actual act of
journaling it is but just theact of getting those thoughts
and feelings out of your headand onto the page.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
Oh, it can be such a release.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
It is.
It helps us process, make senseof things, gain some
perspective.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Totally Okay.
This next one feels very of themoment.
Listallion asks.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Describe how you feel after a day without any digital
devices.
The digital detox so important,right, because we're so
bombarded with information,notifications, all of it.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
All the time it's exhausting.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
We carry all that mental stimulation around with
us constantly.
So this prompt is aboutdisconnecting even just for a
little bit and seeing how thatfeels.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
Because sometimes the most fulfilling experiences
happen offline 100% Okay.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Getting back to that idea of trying new things,
Lestallion also has a promptabout that what's something new
W you'd like to try that mightimprove your mental health?
Speaker 2 (10:10):
It's about staying curious, right Like always, be
open to new experiences, newways of doing things, new ways
of thinking.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
Exactly.
It could be as simple as tryinga new recipe or taking a
different route to work.
It doesn't have to be some biglife-altering thing.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
It's about those little shifts in perspective.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
And you never know that one little change could
lead to something amazing.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
Exactly Okay.
Now this next prompt feels likea good one to circle back to,
since we've talked about stressa bit already.
The Stallion asks how do youremind yourself to stay positive
during tough times?
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Because, again, those tough times are going to come
right.
It's part of life.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
It is.
But it's about having thosestrategies in place, those go-to
reminders that help you stayafloat when things get choppy.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
And it's going to be different for everyone.
For some people it's gratitude,for others it's connecting with
loved ones.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Right or listening to your favorite music, spending
time in nature, whatever helpsyou tap into those positive
emotions.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
It's like having those mental health tools ready
to go when you need them.
Ok, ready for the grand finale.
This last prompt fromLestallion is a big one.
Hit me with it.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Reflect on what mental health means in your
life's big picture.
Ooh, okay, yeah, that's good,because it's not just about how
you feel today, right, it'sabout the long game.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Exactly like how does prioritizing your mental
wellbeing actually impact thekind of life you're building for
yourself?
Speaker 2 (11:35):
It's acknowledging that mental health isn't
separate from all the otherstuff your relationships, your
career.
It's all connected.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
It's like the foundation for everything else.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Right, a hundred percent.
Yeah, if your foundation isshaky, it doesn't matter what
you build on top of it, you'regoing to have problems.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
That's such a good analogy In this prompt.
I think it helps you figure out.
Okay, is my foundation strong?
Does it need some work?
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Right, or are you building your dream life on a
foundation of, like stress andburnout?
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Which?
Or are you building your dreamlife on a foundation of, like,
stress and burnout, which, let'sbe honest, many of us are
guilty of at some point, right?
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Oh, totally yeah, but that's why these conversations
are so important.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
So true, well, I think we've covered a ton today.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
We really have.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
We talked about self-awareness, reflection,
action, resilience, mindfulness.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
All the good stuff and these Lestallion prompts.
They're like these littlenuggets of wisdom.
They really are.
And it makes me realize thatjournaling it's not just for
people who like love to write orwhatever.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
It's a tool that anyone can use.
I completely agree.
It's for anyone who wants tounderstand themselves better,
live a more intentional life,all of that.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
So, before we wrap up , I want to leave you with one
final thought, something toponder.
If you were to start journalingconsistently, what kind of
future self do you think itmight help you to become?
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Oh, that's good.
Like who's that future youwaiting to be discovered?
Speaker 2 (12:52):
Exactly what might they have to teach you?
Speaker 1 (12:54):
I love that and, on that note, I think it's time for
us to do a little journalingourselves.
Thanks for listening everyone,and happy journaling.
Hey everyone, Welcome back.
We're diving into something Ithink you're going to find super
interesting today Journaling.
Speaker 2 (00:06):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:07):
Yeah, but we're talking specifically about
journaling for mental health.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
OK, ok, I'm intrigued .
Speaker 1 (00:13):
Right, everyone's heard about journaling.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Right.
Speaker 1 (00:14):
It's like the self-care tip these days.
Speaker 2 (00:17):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
We're going a little deeper.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
OK.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
With these really cool prompts from this company,
listallion, you know the oneswith those gorgeous journals.
Oh, I've seen those.
Yeah, so pretty.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Very chic.
Speaker 1 (00:28):
So they put together this list of prompts
specifically for mentalwell-being, and I was really
struck by how they frame it allaround self-awareness.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Interesting Because that's something people have
been trying to get a handle onfor centuries, Right?
I mean think about all thediaries and journals from
history, people trying to makesense of their lives, their
feelings.
It's fascinating.
Speaker 1 (00:52):
Totally.
It's like this ancient practicewe're rediscovering.
Speaker 2 (00:55):
Exactly, and the thing is, it works.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
When you know yourself better, you can manage
your mental health so much moreeffectively.
They even have this prompt whatdoes mental health mean to you?
Like before we even start doinganything, it's like what are we
even talking?
Speaker 2 (01:10):
about Defining your terms right.
Yes, that's so smart becauseit's different for everyone.
For some people, mental healthmight be all about feeling calm
and relaxed, Right, but forsomeone else it might mean
having tons of energy andmotivation.
That's such a good point, butfor someone else it might mean
having tons of energy andmotivation.
Speaker 1 (01:24):
That's such a good point.
So by answering that question,you're basically creating like a
personalized roadmap for yourown well-being.
Speaker 2 (01:31):
Exactly, and you know , there's another prompt I
really liked.
Oh, what was it?
Oh yeah, it was something aboutremembering a time you felt
truly calm and peaceful.
Oh, that's a good one RightSounds almost deceptively simple
.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:46):
But there's actually science behind why it works.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Yeah.
When you bring to mind a reallyvivid, positive memory, your
brain kind of gets tricked intofeeling some of those same
emotions in the present moment.
Whoa, it's like a mentalvacation button.
I love that I know right, Okay,but journaling isn't all
sunshine and rainbows, right.
Sometimes we have to deal withthe tougher stuff.
Speaker 2 (02:07):
Absolutely, and I'm glad LaStallion addresses that.
They have this whole sectioncalled your Mental Health
Journey and it's all aboutfacing those challenges head on.
Speaker 1 (02:14):
Yeah, there's this one prompt that I thought was
really powerful.
It asks what's a challengeyou've overcome that made you
stronger?
Speaker 2 (02:22):
Oh, I love that, because it's not about
pretending the hard times didn'thappen.
It's about finding thosenuggets of growth, those moments
where you surprised yourselfwith your own strength.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Exactly.
It's like reframing thoseexperiences in a way that feels
empowering Right.
Speaker 2 (02:39):
And you know what else I thought was cool.
They had this other promptabout how your understanding of
mental health has changed overtime.
Speaker 1 (02:44):
Oh, interesting, like looking back on your own
personal evolution.
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (02:49):
It's recognizing that we're always learning and
growing.
What we knew about mentalhealth five years ago, even a
year ago, might be totallydifferent now.
Speaker 1 (02:57):
And that's okay.
It's all part of the journey,exactly Okay.
So we've talked aboutunderstanding ourselves better,
acknowledging our journeys, butthen there's that next step
actually putting those insightsinto practice.
Speaker 2 (03:07):
Right, because what good is all this self-reflection
if we don't do anything with it?
Speaker 1 (03:17):
That's where it gets really interesting, because
Lestallion doesn't just leaveyou hanging with your thoughts
and feelings.
They have this whole othersection on practical strategies.
Speaker 2 (03:21):
Oh, I like that.
So it's not just about feelinggood, it's about taking action.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
Exactly Like okay, we've done the inner work, yeah,
now how do we actually makechanges in our lives?
And they really dive intospecifics, like one of the first
things they focus on is sleep.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
Of course Makes total sense right, absolutely.
It's like foundational ifyou're not sleeping well.
Speaker 1 (03:43):
It's almost like why even bother with the rest of it?
Speaker 2 (03:46):
Right your mood's off .
You can't focus, you're moreirritable.
Speaker 1 (03:49):
It impacts everything , everything.
Okay, so their prompt on thisis how can you improve your
sleep habits to support yourmental health, which, like we
all know, we should prioritizesleep Right, but are we really
doing it?
Speaker 2 (04:04):
That's where the journaling comes in, though.
Speaker 1 (04:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (04:06):
Because you start to see those patterns Like oh,
maybe scrolling on my phoneuntil 2.am isn't helping.
Speaker 1 (04:12):
Totally, or that afternoon coffee is catching up
to you.
It's like you're playingdetective with your own bad
habits.
Speaker 2 (04:18):
Exactly, and once you see it, you can start to make
those changes.
Speaker 1 (04:25):
This next one feels like a classic for a reason.
What type of physical activityboosts your mood the most?
I mean, we hear it all the timeExercise is good for you, but
it's not one size fits all right.
Speaker 2 (04:34):
Not at all, and that's what I like about this
prompt.
It's about finding what youenjoy.
Some people they love runningthat runner's high.
For others it's yoga orkickboxing, or you know it has
to feel good exactly itshouldn't feel like a chore.
Speaker 1 (04:48):
You should feel like a celebration of what your body
can do speaking of things thatfeel good, there's a prompt
about spending time outdoors.
Speaker 2 (04:56):
Like again, it seems obvious nature's great, but we
forget we really do, and it'samazing how restorative just
being outside can be, like, like, evolutionarily it just makes
sense.
We're wired to feel good innature.
Speaker 1 (05:09):
Totally Okay Switching gears a little bit.
They also have a prompt aboutrelaxation techniques, which
hello in our world right now.
Speaker 2 (05:17):
That's needed right.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
So important, but it's almost like we have to
relearn how to relax.
Speaker 2 (05:22):
We do, and for some people it's meditation, For
others it's a hot bath, Likeit's so personal.
Speaker 1 (05:28):
It's finding what works for you.
Like you're a meditation person, I'm all about that.
Bath with a good book.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Exactly yeah.
And you know what's cool isjournaling itself can become
part of that relaxation routine,Just getting those thoughts out
of your head.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
So therapeutic.
Speaker 2 (05:42):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (05:42):
Okay, on to another big one Healthy diet.
Lestallion dedicates a wholeprompt to this, connecting it
back to mental health.
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Yeah, because it makes such a difference.
And again, I think we all knowthis on some level, right, but
when you actually start payingattention to how certain foods
make you feel, oh my gosh yes.
You realize how connected theyreally are to your mood, your
energy, your focus.
Speaker 1 (06:05):
It's like fueling your brain.
You've got to give it the goodstuff.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
I love that analogy and journaling can help you
figure out what that good stuffis for you.
Speaker 1 (06:12):
OK, so Lestallion gets a little goal oriented with
their next prompt.
They ask what's a goal you havefor improving your mental
health next year?
Speaker 2 (06:22):
I like that they give it a time frame.
It makes it feel moreactionable, you know.
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Right Like it's not just this vague idea, it's
something you can actually worktowards.
Speaker 2 (06:31):
It doesn't have to be huge.
Even small, consistent changescan make a world of difference.
Speaker 1 (06:35):
Absolutely Small steps.
Ok, back to reality for a sec.
Lestallion also has a promptabout dealing with stressful
times Because, let's be real,stress is part of life.
Speaker 2 (06:47):
Oh, it's unavoidable, right?
Yeah, but this prompt is sosmart because it's about being
proactive.
Speaker 1 (06:52):
Instead of just reacting when you're already
stressed.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
Exactly so.
It asks how do you prepare forstressful times Like how do you
build up that resilience beforeyou need it?
Speaker 1 (07:02):
It's like packing a mental health first aid kit.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
I love that.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Okay, ready for this.
The next section is all aboutmindfulness and I have to say I
was geeky excited about thispart.
Speaker 2 (07:13):
As you should be.
Mindfulness is so powerful Justtaking those moments to be
fully present, without judgment.
Speaker 1 (07:20):
Their prompt on this is so simple but effective
Practice mindfulness.
What sounds, smells and sightsdo you notice right now?
Speaker 2 (07:28):
It's bringing your attention to the here and now,
because it's so easy to getcaught up in our thoughts,
worries, plans, right.
Oh yeah, and we miss out onwhat's actually happening around
us.
Speaker 1 (07:40):
Totally.
We were talking about thosemental vacations earlier.
This is like a micro version ofthat, just taking a break from
the mental chatter and tuninginto your senses.
Speaker 2 (07:47):
I love that.
A mindfulness micro vacation.
Speaker 1 (07:49):
I think we should workshop that.
Yeah, okay, they also have aprompt about mindfulness
practices.
How do you practice beingpresent in the moment, because
it's going to look different foreveryone, right?
Speaker 2 (07:58):
Absolutely, and there are so many ways to practice
mindfulness.
It doesn't have to be formalmeditation, although that's
great too.
It can be mindful walking,paying attention to your breath,
just noticing the little thingsthroughout your day.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Right Finding those moments of presence wherever you
can.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Exactly.
And then they encourage you toget specific what mindfulness
exercises do you find mosteffective?
Speaker 1 (08:21):
Oh, I like that, like what's in your mindfulness
toolkit.
Speaker 2 (08:23):
Yes, Because it's good to have options right,
Depending on what you're feeling, what the situation calls for.
Some days you might need a fullon guided meditation.
Speaker 1 (08:32):
And some days just a few deep breaths will do the
trick.
Speaker 2 (08:35):
Exactly Now.
This next prompt.
It really speaks to me becauseit's all about visualization.
They ask you to write about apeaceful place you like to visit
in your mind when stressed, oh,I love that.
Speaker 1 (08:46):
It's like your mental escape hatch.
Speaker 2 (08:48):
It is, and it can be real or imagined A beach, a
forest, a mountaintop, justsomewhere that evokes a sense of
peace and calm.
The more vividly you describeit in your journal, the more
real it will feel.
Speaker 1 (09:01):
It's like creating your own personal mental
sanctuary.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
Exactly.
And speaking of journaling,Lestowman brings it back to the
practice itself with thisquestion how do journaling or
writing help?
Speaker 1 (09:13):
you manage your emotions.
It's like a nice littlecheck-in.
Because it's easy to likebreeze past the actual act of
journaling it is but just theact of getting those thoughts
and feelings out of your headand onto the page.
Speaker 2 (09:24):
Oh, it can be such a release.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
It is.
It helps us process, make senseof things, gain some
perspective.
Speaker 2 (09:29):
Totally Okay.
This next one feels very of themoment.
Listallion asks.
Speaker 1 (09:37):
Describe how you feel after a day without any digital
devices.
The digital detox so important,right, because we're so
bombarded with information,notifications, all of it.
Speaker 2 (09:45):
All the time it's exhausting.
Speaker 1 (09:46):
We carry all that mental stimulation around with
us constantly.
So this prompt is aboutdisconnecting even just for a
little bit and seeing how thatfeels.
Speaker 2 (09:55):
Because sometimes the most fulfilling experiences
happen offline 100% Okay.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Getting back to that idea of trying new things,
Lestallion also has a promptabout that what's something new
W you'd like to try that mightimprove your mental health?
Speaker 2 (10:10):
It's about staying curious, right Like always, be
open to new experiences, newways of doing things, new ways
of thinking.
Speaker 1 (10:16):
Exactly.
It could be as simple as tryinga new recipe or taking a
different route to work.
It doesn't have to be some biglife-altering thing.
Speaker 2 (10:25):
It's about those little shifts in perspective.
Speaker 1 (10:27):
And you never know that one little change could
lead to something amazing.
Speaker 2 (10:31):
Exactly Okay.
Now this next prompt feels likea good one to circle back to,
since we've talked about stressa bit already.
The Stallion asks how do youremind yourself to stay positive
during tough times?
Speaker 1 (10:43):
Because, again, those tough times are going to come
right.
It's part of life.
Speaker 2 (10:47):
It is.
But it's about having thosestrategies in place, those go-to
reminders that help you stayafloat when things get choppy.
Speaker 1 (10:55):
And it's going to be different for everyone.
For some people it's gratitude,for others it's connecting with
loved ones.
Speaker 2 (11:01):
Right or listening to your favorite music, spending
time in nature, whatever helpsyou tap into those positive
emotions.
Speaker 1 (11:07):
It's like having those mental health tools ready
to go when you need them.
Ok, ready for the grand finale.
This last prompt fromLestallion is a big one.
Hit me with it.
Speaker 2 (11:20):
Reflect on what mental health means in your
life's big picture.
Ooh, okay, yeah, that's good,because it's not just about how
you feel today, right, it'sabout the long game.
Speaker 1 (11:31):
Exactly like how does prioritizing your mental
wellbeing actually impact thekind of life you're building for
yourself?
Speaker 2 (11:35):
It's acknowledging that mental health isn't
separate from all the otherstuff your relationships, your
career.
It's all connected.
Speaker 1 (11:41):
It's like the foundation for everything else.
Speaker 2 (11:43):
Right, a hundred percent.
Yeah, if your foundation isshaky, it doesn't matter what
you build on top of it, you'regoing to have problems.
Speaker 1 (11:49):
That's such a good analogy In this prompt.
I think it helps you figure out.
Okay, is my foundation strong?
Does it need some work?
Speaker 2 (11:57):
Right, or are you building your dream life on a
foundation of, like stress andburnout?
Speaker 1 (12:02):
Which?
Or are you building your dreamlife on a foundation of, like,
stress and burnout, which, let'sbe honest, many of us are
guilty of at some point, right?
Speaker 2 (12:06):
Oh, totally yeah, but that's why these conversations
are so important.
Speaker 1 (12:08):
So true, well, I think we've covered a ton today.
Speaker 2 (12:11):
We really have.
Speaker 1 (12:12):
We talked about self-awareness, reflection,
action, resilience, mindfulness.
Speaker 2 (12:27):
All the good stuff and these Lestallion prompts.
They're like these littlenuggets of wisdom.
They really are.
And it makes me realize thatjournaling it's not just for
people who like love to write orwhatever.
Speaker 1 (12:31):
It's a tool that anyone can use.
I completely agree.
It's for anyone who wants tounderstand themselves better,
live a more intentional life,all of that.
Speaker 2 (12:38):
So, before we wrap up , I want to leave you with one
final thought, something toponder.
If you were to start journalingconsistently, what kind of
future self do you think itmight help you to become?
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Oh, that's good.
Like who's that future youwaiting to be discovered?
Speaker 2 (12:52):
Exactly what might they have to teach you?
Speaker 1 (12:54):
I love that and, on that note, I think it's time for
us to do a little journalingourselves.
Thanks for listening everyone,and happy journaling.
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