Sarah Moore
It’s so easy to be self-critical. Sometimes, you’re not even aware you’re being too hard on yourself.
That said, self love isn’t always easy. This is especially true when you’re going through tough times such as getting laid off work, financial problems, or a break-up.
These unfortunate events will affect your self-esteem. Most self-help books, websites, or social media will tell you it’s important to love yourself first.
But how do you start loving yourself?
In this post, we’ll give a few practical self love exercises, including journaling. Best of all, we’ll list some of the best self love journal prompts to help you get started.
We’ll get to those in a minute. But first, you’ll need to understand what self love means.
What is Self Love?
Loving yourself doesn’t mean being narcissistic. Or having a big ego.
Self love can mean differently for each individual. But basically, it means respecting your own well-being and happiness. It means practicing self-care, boosting your self-worth, and attending to your own needs.
Loving yourself isn’t about instant gratification. It takes effort and time. That said, practice these self-care exercises and journal prompts to boost your self-worth:
Practice Gratitude
Be mindful of the good things that happen around you. And be grateful for what you currently have in your life.
In one of the self love journal prompts below, you’ll be asked to write down the things you’re grateful for. Do this every day and write down at least one.
Find a Physical Activity That You Like
Doing physical activities isn’t only about changing how your body looks. It’s also about boosting your mood. So look for physical activities that are enjoyable and pleasurable for you.
Do you like biking? Does jogging help clear your mind? Or do you like more challenging activities like wall climbing?
These activities will keep your heart rate up and release chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins trigger a happy, positive feeling in your body.
Journaling for Self Love
Writing in a journal has a positive impact on your well-being.
For one, it helps clarify your thoughts. Secondly, it allows you to get to know yourself better. Most importantly, it helps relieve stress.
For instance, you’re having a rough week. Self love journaling allows you to release your inner struggles. Express your feelings in a safe, healthy way.
That’s why self love journal prompts are powerful in understanding yourself and the world around you.
In the next section, we’ve listed down a few journal prompts to help you get started.
Journal for Self Love: 40 Journal Prompts
You might think that keeping a journal is tedious. Or maybe you’re afraid to write down your thoughts and feelings.
Don’t fret. Your journal is yours alone. You don’t have to show it to anybody. Don’t be afraid and be honest with your feelings.
These self love journal prompts focus on the positive aspects of your life. It allows you to think back on the good things. The things you can be grateful for.
But before we get started, here are a few simple tips:
Find a quiet place
It could be a corner in your home or room. Or look for an outdoor spot. It’s best to start journaling in a quiet place. This allows you to hear your inner thoughts and focus on your feelings.
Schedule a Journaling Time
Try to include journaling in your routine. You can do it early morning or in the evening before going to bed.
Additionally, set a few minutes for journaling. This activity doesn’t have to take all morning or evening. In fact, you can set at least 10 minutes of your day.
Choose a Prompt
These self love journal prompts will help you get started. But you don’t have to follow these prompts in order. Simply choose one a day to keep you motivated.
Ready to get started?
- Acknowledge your strengths. List at least three of your greatest strengths.
- Jot down the best compliments you’ve ever received. How did it make you feel? Did you feel happy? Validated? Grateful?
- List at least 15 compliments you can give yourself.
- Write at least three things you’re grateful for.
- What makes you unique? Pick your best characteristics.
- Write at least ten positive affirmations. Jot down affirmations like “I am worthy”, “I am loved”, or “I am strong.”
- What mistakes have you made? Have you forgiven yourself for them? If not, what can you do to improve and move on?
- List at least five things that make you happy.
- How can you show yourself love? Think about how you would treat a friend or loved one who’s going through a tough time.
- Write the perfect morning routine. Can you stick to it?
- What are you passionate about? Why do you like doing it?
- How would you describe a perfect day? What will you do? Who will you spend it with? What will it feel like?
- What’s the most recent challenge you’ve overcome? Describe your effort and determination to overcome it.
- Write a letter to your future self. What advice will you give?
- List the hobbies you want to try. Which one will you want to try next month?
- Write down 5 habits you want to start. For instance, you can write “drinking 8 glasses of water”.
- What brings you peace? How can you add it to your daily routine?
- Jot down in your journal at least 3 goals you want to accomplish at the end of the year.
- Think about the people in your life. Who makes you feel happy and loved? Write down their impact on your life.
- What’s on your playlist? Pick at least 10 songs that make you feel good.
- Who makes you feel safe?
- How do you show gratitude towards people who support you? Can you start doing those things to yourself as well?
- What do you want the most when you’ve done a good job? Do you want a pat on the back? A hug? Or affirmative words like “good job!”?
- I am happiest when …
- I feel peaceful when …
- What’s making you unhappy? Is it possible to stop doing it?
- Find a place where you can be alone. Sit in silence. How are you feeling today?
- List at least three physical features that you love about yourself.
- What type of clothes are you most comfortable in? What makes you feel beautiful?
- How was your day? Was there something that made you smile?
- When was the last time you felt happy and confident?
- Is there something that’s stressing you out? List them down and let them go.
- What do you envy in other people?
- Write down the things you can do to take care of yourself some more. For instance, you can write “sleeping early”, or “resting when tired”.
- What are your top priorities in life?
- What are your biggest goals in life? How can you achieve it?
- Improve your mindset. Jot down a negative thought and turn it into something positive. For example, “I’m tired” becomes “I’m grateful”
- Jot down your recent “wins” no matter how small.
- What are your biggest insecurities? What actionable steps can you take to improve them?
- Write your favorite motivational quote. Why did you choose it?
These self love journal prompts will help you keep track of your improvements and growth.
Journaling is a form of self care. Have compassion for yourself as you are today and know that you’re in the process of growth.