Vigourously texting your best friend is sure to let out some steam, but it's not nearly the only way to release pent-up stress. Next time you're feeling overwhelmed with a tension headache [1] in tow, why not set aside your phone and put a pen to paper?
Journaling, or expressive writing, has been shown to help ease stress [2] and anxiety. While a blank piece of paper will do, you can also work the self-care method into your everyday life with these daily journals, including writing prompts, helpful quotes, and timed activities to help you live in the moment and alleviate all sorts of strain.
Listography: One List a Day: A Three-Year Journal
Get your creative juices flowing with this daily three-year journal. Every month of Listography: One List a Day: A Three-Year Journal [8] ($15) starts off with a mini to-do list, while each day is broken into simple and fun prompts like "Things That Make Me Laugh" and "Last Times I've Danced."
Calm the Chaos Journal: A Daily Practice For a More Peaceful Life
Instead of starting and ending your day with a scroll through Instagram, try journaling with Calm the Chaos Journal: A Daily Practice For a More Peaceful Life [9] ($15). Separated into dedicated today and tomorrow sections, you can mark off how you took care of yourself. It even includes a section dedicated to how you showed kindness to others.
Super Attractor Journal
A new release from motivational speaker and author Gabby Bernstein, Super Attractor Journal [10] ($18) is all about turning your dreams into realities and bringing light to your life. It's accompanied by inspirational quotes and writing prompts from Bernstein, as well as beautiful imagery by illustrator Micaela Ezra.
Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy: A Journal
Do One Thing Every Day That Makes You Happy: A Journal [11] ($8) is a daily writing diary that includes writing prompts based off inspirational quotes or phrases. For example, the Julia Child [12] quote, "Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it," is accompanied by the prompt, "My passion:".
The Five-Minute Journal
Five minutes a day is all you need. Each page of The Five-Minute Journal [13] ($25) is broken into a morning and an evening section, so you can prep for the day ahead by listing your daily affirmations and reflect on all the good that happened, too.