We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best
products—learn more about
our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
When is the last time you wrote something just for you? Something tangible, on an actual piece of paper, for your eyes only? Something that required critical thought and self-exploration?
In a world of constant texting, tweeting, emailing, and digitally “engaging,” there’s a good chance the answer is “a really long time ago.” But doing so can serve you well — study after study after study suggests that self-expressive writing in a journal can help reduce intrusive ideas that bring you down, help you ditch toxic habits, relieve stress and anxiety, and help you cultivate the life you want to live.
But, of course, getting started putting a pen to paper is easier said than done. To help inspire your writing, you can grab a blank notebook and try using journal prompts (here are 75 to get you started), or you can turn to a guided journal for even more of an instructional experience.
Here, some of the best guided journals — all approved or recommended by mental health professionals — with boundless pages of prompts to dive into the depths of yourself.
Zen As F*ck
Me-est Me is female-founded and LGBTQ-owned, and the journal is made in Southern California. It’s an 88-page guided workbook filled with journal prompts and exercises that intend to help reconnect you with yourself.
“Doing inner work can be tough, so I wanted to create a more accessible way to answer some hard questions,” says author Shana Rehwald. “The pages throughout the workbook are devoted to reflecting, gathering and exploring, while also giving you pages to play around with and pause.”
Rehwald created the journal after going through a major life transition of her own — divorce.
“Since now we’re all going through it [COVID], I decided to create a journal using the tools that helped me reconnect with myself after a major life transition in hopes that it might help others, too,” she adds.
