We all want to be our healthiest. But life gets busy, and it can be easy to lose sight of our health goals. It can be tough to hit the pause button, but it’s important to take time every now and then to reflect on how we are helping (or hindering) ourselves along our journey to better health.
Expressive writing is an especially powerful tool for self-reflection.1 Journaling can help reduce stress, lower feelings of anxiety and improve mood.2 Reflecting on and then writing down your thoughts and feelings helps you align your actions with your core values and put healthy habits into motion.3
To help spark your reflection, we’ve put together a list of self-discovery prompts. This exercise can be as structured or as free-form as you like. If a particular question doesn’t resonate with you, feel free to move along. The goal is to focus on your values and choices and help you find motivation.
Family and relationships
- Who are the most important people in my life?
- What does an ideal relationship look like to me?
- Which of my relationships need repair?
- Which relationships or connections would I like to build?
- Who do I go to when I need advice?
- What makes me feel loved?
- Is there a relationship I need to let go of?
- Do I have any needs that aren’t being met?
Health
- On average, how is my mood?
- How is my sleep?
- What helps me to stay healthy?
- What habits would I like to adopt?
- What habits would I like to stop?
- What is one thing about my health I most want to focus on?
- What gives me energy?
- What drains my energy?
- What are my biggest concerns about my health in the future?
Finding a therapist who is right for you is a great first step toward mental well-being.
Learn more about our Mental Health service
Self
- What brings me joy?
- What matters most to me right now?
- What would I like to do more often?
- What is a big goal I’d like to achieve in my life?
- Am I holding on to something I need to let go of?
- If I take a step outside my comfort zone this year, what will that look like?
Work and career
- What kind of work has given me the most satisfaction so far?
- What’s my ideal work-life balance?
- What are my ambitions?
- Who inspires me in my career?
- What education or training do I need to fulfill my career goals?
Interests
- What skills and hobbies would I like to learn?
- What topics and ideas spark my curiosity?
- If time and money were no object and I could go back to school for anything, what would it be?
- How would I spend my free time if I had more of it?
Spirituality
- What do I find inspiring?
- Where do I find peace?
- What am I grateful for?
- What moment(s) in my life would I go back and redo if I could—and why?
- What can I do to increase my sense of a life well-lived?
- What moments in my life would I stay in forever if I could—and why?
Talk to a healthcare professional for more ideas about how to stay healthy when life gets busy. Our providers are ready to help with any challenges you may be facing.
Need a moment to reset? Try this quick and easy biofeedback breathing video and get ready to say aaaaahhh.
Published October 17, 2024
1https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/expressive-writing
2https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/mental-health/journaling-your-health
3https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/liking-the-child-you-love/202406/the-most-important-4-word-question-to-ask-yourself
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