Don’t know how to write morning pages? Start your day with these best morning journal prompts for setting your intentions for the day.
If you can include only one thing in your morning routine, let it be journaling.
Journaling is one of my favorite self-care and wellness habits.
Not only does it set your tone for the day, but it can also help you understand your feelings and inner thoughts.
For example, one of my favorite morning journal prompts is one I learned from Jenna Kutcher: “How are you, really?”
One of those days, while pouring out my heart in my journal using the freehand technique, I found myself crying.
This simple morning journal prompt helped me get to know my true feelings.
That is the power of intentionally journaling and being completely honest with yourself.
While on most days, you may not feel overwhelmed with emotions, on other days, you may be excited or not confident enough to take on the challenges of the new day.
However, writing morning pages will help you understand yourself and build a better daily routine.
Above all, prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.
And if you’re stuck on what to write in your journal in the morning, start with these morning journal prompts.
In this blog post, you’ll learn my favorite deep morning journal prompts for starting your day and other mindful daily journal prompts to throw into your day.
But before that, what makes a good morning journal prompt?
What is a Good Morning Journal Prompt?
A “good morning journal prompt” is a short writing prompt or question you answer first thing in the morning, preferably on paper (AKA Journal), that helps you start your day right.
A morning journal prompt could be about anything: life, business, family, relationships, mental health, self-love love, and even physical looks.
Good morning journal prompts should help you feel better, understand your feelings, and navigate the day prepared.
These morning prompts provide mental and emotional benefits that can affect your overall well-being.
So, it’s okay to be picky on the prompts you use in the morning when journaling.
Without further ado, here are my favorite morning journal prompts for exploring yourself deeper, setting goals, and starting the morning feeling like a “rock star.”
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Kindly read the full disclosure here.
60 Best Morning Journal Prompts to Upgrade Your Morning with Intentions
1. How are you truly?
How Are You Truly is a self-care and mindfulness journal prompt that encourages you to check in with yourself regularly, become present, and understand yourself and your feelings without judgment.
Imagine sitting with your friend, your confidant, when you’re having a hard time, and she asks you how you are, truly?
Yes, she may not have all the answers to your problems, but listening to you vent wholeheartedly may help you feel at ease.
Asking yourself, “How are you truly?” every morning will help you pour out your emotions, inner thoughts, and feelings you may not even understand exist within you.
When answering this question, I write without reading the lines, focusing on pouring out my heart unfiltered and reading it afterward.
If you’re short on time daily and have only 5 –10 minutes to journal, use this morning journal prompt every day for a month and see the difference it makes.
2. What are you Grateful for?
What are the three things you are grateful for this morning?
You may have heard that gratitude journaling is powerful.
Openly declaring things you’re grateful for helps break the negative cycle, lessen anxiety, bring peace, and help you find simple pleasure in little things.
What you’re grateful for doesn’t have to be grand; It could be something as little as having a hot cup of coffee while watching your pet play around.
It could be as simple as organizing your home or having your partner support you – the goal is to find something to be thankful for each day.
For instance, when journaling this morning, here are the things I’m grateful for today;
- The gift of life – being alive today with my family.
- I am thankful for my business and the freedom to earn while working from home.
- I’m grateful for the little hugs and warm feelings I shared with my boyfriend this morning.
Here’s the truth, focusing on gratitude in the morning helps set the tone for positivity, easing stress, anxiety, negativity, and discontentment.
3. Is There a Situation From Yesterday That’s Affecting You?
Most times, events from yesterday may affect how you start the day, positively or negatively.
If you’re feeling positive emotions, they help you do more.
Conversely, negative emotions from the day before can ruin your mood, affect your productivity, and leave you in a funk.
This is why morning journal questions like this help you pause, understand your feelings, and address the situation.
Usually, I like to be precise when answering this morning’s journal prompts.
In a paragraph (it could be two lines or more), I’ll write down how I feel about the situation, how I can process it, and what I can do to move forward to enjoy a better day.
4. If Today is The Last Day of My Life? How Would I Spend It?
Morning journaling posts like this may seem unrealistic, but I promise you it’s not.
The idea behind asking yourself, “If today is the last day of my life, how would I spend it?” is to help you do those things you’ve been procrastinating about.
Think about the things you want to do but have been putting off— things like having a will, calling your family, going on a trip with your loved ones, or achieving goals that seem daunting.
I like to ask myself this question because it helps me take on each day and do what I should do without regret.
Imagine fulfilling your lifelong desires so that, in the end, you have no regrets.
If you keep answering this daily morning journal prompt question daily.
Soon, you’ll find yourself taking steps to reach those goals.
Most importantly, it helps you live according to your most authentic self, tune out the noise, and live a fulfilling life.
You agree that this morning’s journal prompt is powerful.
5. Did I Dream? What was it About?
If you’re someone like me whose dreams manifest over time, you know taking your dreams seriously is a must.
Reflecting on your dreams while journaling in the morning helps you gain insight into your subconscious and unaddressed emotions, desires, and thought patterns, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
I like to recall and write down as much detail as possible about what I remember.
Write down what you remember – settings, characters, who and what you dreamt about, the emotions you feel when you wake up, and any symbols or themes that stand out.
Now, this is optional, but you’ll find it insightful if you try answering this journal prompt every morning after waking up with a dream.
6. A praise I have is…and A prayer I have is …
Praying and praising are part of my daily morning routine.
Whether I’m having a short one-hour morning routine or throwing self-care activities for a longer morning routine.
So, it’s a must for me every morning.
As a person, you have your needs, wishes, and things for which you’re thankful.
However, we focus less on gratitude and more on our wishes, requests, and prayers.
When you write at least one prayer and praise daily, you’ll soon have a list of answered prayers, wishes, and things you’re grateful for.
Answering one praise and prayer morning journal question helps you start your day with a positive mindset.
7. Am I Anxious About Anything?
What are you anxious about, and how would you handle it best?
You may be going through a rough time, or there’s a slight feeling of anxiety you’re trying to brush off.
While brushing off may seem like the easiest thing to do at the time.
However, acknowledging your feelings and journaling how your best self will handle them will help you accept and find solutions.
8. What would Make Today Successful?
Try not to overwhelm yourself or think so much about this.
Start with how you want to feel at the end of the day and what can get you there.
Because for each day and season, we have different needs.
Maybe for that day, working on your business will make it successful.
Perhaps spending time with your family or honoring your needs to practice more self-care.
For example;
Today will be successful If I finish this new blog post I’m working on and spend at least 30 minutes reading a book.
Here’s another one: Today will be successful if I trim the lawn and spend two hours bonding with my family.
We all have different daily needs.
When writing your morning journal posts, always consider and tackle your innermost feelings.
9. What Negative Self Talk Do I Need to Let Go of Today?
In what ways have you been speaking negatively to and about yourself?
What is the negative self-talk holding you back?
Perhaps something happened yesterday, and you still blame yourself for it and won’t stop saying, “Oh, I am stupid to have trusted this.”
In honesty, when you keep speaking negatively to yourself, it holds you back from taking meaningful steps forward in that area of your life.
After listing these negative self-talk, replace them with positive ones.
For example, I’ve been telling myself lately that I’m slow and not making progress this week, even though I feel burnt out and exhausted.
Instead of negative self-talk, I acknowledge my need to take a break, and I’m doing my best now; even though it’s slow, I’m making progress daily.
When you list your negative self-talk and reasons for feeling that way before replacing them with good ones, you feel better quickly (this works all the time for me).
10. How can I feel Like My Best Self Today?
This powerful morning journal prompt encourages you to start your day with intention and self-reflection.
When you answer this question, you actively engage in self-care while setting the tone for a productive day that allows you to become your best self.
First, consider what it means to be your best self every day.
Is your best self happy, healthy, listen before speaking, lazy, or productive?
Reflect on what “best self” means to you.
Consider the qualities, behaviors, and feelings that represent you at your best.
It could be being patient, productive, kind, or energetic.
When answering this daily morning journal prompt, I like to keep it simple — no more than two lines based on how I deeply feel.
For example, I can feel like my best self today if I show more kindness to myself and others, even though this is difficult.
Or, when stressed, I’ll feel like my best self if I get my favorite meal and take the day off.
11. List 5 Simple Things That Can Make You Smile Today?
This simple yet delightful morning journal question encourages you to focus on finding simple pleasures in life.
Think about the little things that make you happy and how these minute things can bring positivity to your day.
When answering this question, focus on everyday pleasures that are easily accessible.
It could be “feeling sunlight on my face,” “hearing my favorite song, or snuggling on the couch with your pet.”
Also, when answering this question, be specific. Instead of saying “coffee,” write the feelings and scenarios.
For example, the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the morning brings smiles to me.
12. What Makes Me Happy? How Can I Do More of That Today?
It’s almost like question 11, except you’re allowed to think beyond things that are easily accessible.
Think about your happy memories and how you can do at least one thing that makes you happy.
13. What are My Priorities for Today?
Knowing your priorities and setting your intentions for the day helps you start your day with clarity and purpose.
You focus on what truly matters.
Instead of vague categories, list concrete tasks or outcomes. For example, rather than “work on the project,” write “complete first draft of the report.”
Aim for 3-5 top priorities – no long lists.
14. List Two Ways I Can Show Kindness to Myself and Others Today
Think about ways to be more compassionate to yourself and those around you – like practicing random acts of kindness to others.
Also, consider what form of kindness you need in your life today. It could be physical, emotional, or mental self-care.
For myself: I will take a 15-minute break to enjoy a cup of tea and read a chapter of my book.
For others: I will send an encouraging text to a friend who’s been through a tough time.
15. What Does My Soul Need?
What does your soul need? Where are you at?
With the hustle and bustle, how often do you take a minute to reflect on what you truly need?
This self-care morning journal question helps me honor my needs, even on busy days.
Here are some examples of answers to this journal questions;
- my soul needs a break from work and more calming affirmations because I’m a little anxious this morning.
- My soul needs more “me time” to address my inner feelings.
These are examples!
While answering this question, take a minute to reflect and write judgment-free and unfiltered because the goal is to address your inner thoughts and feelings.
16. List one Bad Habit to Avoid Today
Imagine journaling first thing in the morning and deciding to spend less time on social media and be more productive. Wonderful, right?
Journaling, one bad habit to avoid, is one of the best morning journal prompts.
Answering this question can help you replace bad habits with good ones, one morning at a time.
For example, today, while journaling, I decided to stop touching my phone so early in the morning and spend more time reading during breaks, and I followed it through.
Here are some examples of answers to this journal prompt;
- Today, I’ll spend less time on social media
- No carbonated drink today.
- Move more instead of sitting at a place all day.
- I’ll eat no junk and only eat home-cooked meals today.
17. What Boundaries Do You Need to Set for Yourself?
If you’re a people-pleaser, you’ll always feel overwhelmed when performing tasks that may have nothing to do with you.
When you set healthy boundaries with others at work or home, you protect your well-being, improve relationships, and create a more balanced life.
So, when answering this journal prompt, be specific and as much as possible instead of vague answers.
Take a moment to define clear, actionable boundaries.
For example, “I’ll not check work emails after 7 PM” is more effective than “I need better work-life balance.”
Here are some examples of boundary journal prompt answers:
- I will decline non-essential meetings that conflict with my work hours.
- Today, I’ll let my family know I need one hour of “me time” to decompress with myself. (If you have kids, your partner can handle them while you spend time alone).
- I’ll limit my social media use to X minutes per day.
- When my schedule is full, I will say “no” to additional commitments.
- When I feel overwhelmed, I’ll ask for help instead of trying to do everything myself.
18. List One Thing You’ve Been Off That You Can do Today
Oh, this is one of my favorite daily morning journal prompts.
It helps me start my day with the motto “ruthlessly get it done,” especially when I start procrastinating or getting caught in the “perfection” trap.
Please keep it simple when answering this prompt because you’re tackling tasks you’ve procrastinated on.
Agreeably, you may procrastinate on a task because of the time you’ll spend doing it, wanting it perfect, or believing there will be tomorrow.
While answering this question, I always start with tasks that take me 5 minutes to at least an hour or some other time, such as 2 hours.
Also, resist the urge to write too many things down—the goal is to tackle one task you’ve been procrastinating on daily.
Imagine doing this for seven days; you’ll make seven positive changes weekly.
19. List One Self Care Activity You Can Do at the End of The Day to Decompress
Planning at least one self-care activity to decompress daily has been a game-changer for me.
Your self-care needs may be different daily and individualistic. Think about where you’re at (what your soul needs).
Some people need active decompression, while others prefer calming activities.
It would be best if you have a self-care menu.
Now, take a moment to reflect on what aspect of self-care you most need – physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual.
Here are some examples of my self-care answers straight out of my journal;
- Relax and do nothing for the first 5 minutes after I wake up daily.
- I’ll go on a 45-minute to 1-hour walk to maintain my health since I spend most of my time at home.
- Read a chapter of a book for 30 minutes (I‘m currently reading 101 Essays that Will Change the Way You Think)
- Take a long, self-care shower this weekend.
20. Affirmations
Saying affirmations is one self-care-wellness habit that I’ll never get over.
At the end of your morning journaling, add some positive affirmations in areas where you need more help for the day.
For example, if you’re struggling to love yourself better on that day, say self-care and self-love affirmations.
You can also use these good I am positive affirmation statements.
And if you need to focus on completing “unending tasks” for the day, use affirmations for productivity.
Here’s a list of my favorite affirmations right now
- I am worth of good loving.
- I am enough.
- Good things happen to me
- I can do anything I set my heart to do.
- I am surrounded by the beautiful I desire.
- I honor my innermost needs and mental well-being.
- I am capable of handling whatever challenges come my way today.
- I choose to focus on the positive aspects of my life.
- My efforts are paying off, and I am progressing towards my goals.
- I trust in my abilities and make wise decisions.
- I choose to be kind to myself and others, even on tough days.
PS: If you want more affirmations to sprinkle self-love into your day, here are more affirmations for you:
These are deep morning journal prompts to ask yourself daily.
Please note that you need to ask yourself all these questions daily.
I spend 5 to 10 minutes journaling in the morning, and I always keep it short because journaling is therapeutic and not a chore.
Every morning, choose your journal prompt questions from this list, maybe 2–5 questions that resonate with your feelings.
With that noted, here’s a list of additional morning journaling prompts for you.
Morning Journal Prompts for Success
- What does success mean to me?
- What’s one thing I can do today to move closer to my long-term goals?
- What limiting belief is holding me back from moving forward?
- List three things you can do to express your authentic self daily.
- What ideas are taking space in my mind?
- What are you looking forward to today?
- What’s one way I can improve my communication skills today?
- What recent setback did I face, and how can I turn it around?
- List one task you can do today that will grow your business.
- What’s one habit of highly successful people I can adopt today?
- Are my daily actions aligning with my definition of success?
- How do I treat financial decisions, and what can I improve?
- If I attain the success I need today, what changes?
Daily Morning Journal Prompts for Productivity
- List one task that, if completed, will make today successful.
- When do I feel most productive, and how can I maximize that time? (I’m more productive early in the morning that’s when I schedule my most important tasks.)
- What can I do today to move closer to my goals?
- What is one habit I can develop to improve my productivity?
- What lousy habit makes me less productive?
- What tools or resources can help me stay on track today?
- How can I set boundaries to protect my productive time?
- What can I do to stay motivated throughout the day?
- How can I better manage my time and avoid procrastination?
- What is my biggest distraction daily? How can I change that?
- Do I have a system for handling recurring tasks? How can I change this for the better?
Morning Journal Prompts for Mental Health
- Do I seek external validation to feel good about myself?
- What’s a small win I achieved yesterday that I can celebrate?
- Do I truly love and care for myself in the way my soul desires?
- How can I practice self-acceptance and embrace my imperfections today?
- What is one thing I can do today to support my long-term mental health?
- How can I add more joy and fun to my day?
- List one way you can balance your responsibilities and personal needs today.
- What is one thing I can do to reduce stress or anxiety today?
- Is there someone I can reach out to for support if I need it today?
- What screen-free activity can I add to my day to benefit my mental health?
- How can I make my environment more calming and relaxing?
- List three things that bother you, but you have no control over, and let them go.
Whew, there you have it! The best morning journal prompts to start your day.
Things to Note When Staring Morning Journaling (Aka Morning Pages)
1. Wake up earlier and make it a Routine
Start your day early and incorporate journaling into your morning routine. It could be 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or even 30 minutes.
This way, you stand a better chance of sticking to it.
I love to set a time and journal using the freehand technique (my absolute favorite method to get everything in my head out).
Also, you want to make this something you look forward to daily, not a chore you dread.
2. Make It Enjoyable
People tend to make journaling look complex. The truth is that morning journaling is supposed to be an enjoyable self-care ritual.
So think of better ways you can relax and enjoy yourself.
You could make coffee or tea, put on scented candles, listen to slow and calm music, and romanticize this morning ritual.
3. Be Honest and Write Judgement Free
When journaling, be honest with yourself and commit to writing without judging yourself in a way that brings negativity.
Take note of what needs changing, and be patient with yourself as you make those changes.
Please note that there is no one-size-fits-all technique for morning journaling; start where you are and aim for consistency.
Avoid overwhelming yourself.
Finally, instead, answer 1 or 2 questions or a maximum of 5 morning journal questions daily to make it easier, especially if you’re a beginner.
I hope you enjoy this as much as I do.
What are your favorite morning journal prompts? Let me know in the comments.
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