You know this: the most important relationship you will ever have is the one you have with yourself.
But when did you last check in with that relationship? It is way too easy to let self-care fall to the bottom of your to-do list.
Your self-love needs to be a priority, because it impacts your entire life. When you love yourself, you make better choices, know what makes you feel good, and say no to the things that do not deserve a place in your life.
Here is how to bring more self-love into your life, with a month of journaling prompts.
What is self-love journaling?
Self-love journaling is the practice of using journaling to build a better relationship with yourself.
Using self-love journaling prompts, you dig deeper to discover and overcome the obstacles holding you back from loving yourself. The aim is to soak up the freedoms that come from self-love, so you can live a life that feels good.
The science of self-love
Research from The Body Shop revealed that the average score on their Self Love Index was just 53 out of 100, meaning almost one in two people experience more self-doubt than self-love.
But the benefits of self-love are clear. Ness Labs report that evidence-based benefits include:
- Better mental health
- More self-acceptance
- Higher self-esteem
- More motivation
- Stronger determination
- Increased self-awareness
- Less anxiety
- Better sleep
What you need to journal for self-love
- Your journal — a wellness journal or lined notebook works well. Choose something easy to write in, with the flexibility to structure pages as you wish.
- A good pen — you will be doing a fair amount of writing, so pick a pen that is comfortable for longer sessions. The more colours, the better.
Self-love journaling prompts to improve your self-talk
Turn it into a fun challenge: choose one prompt below each day. After 30 days, check in and see how you feel.
- What does self-love mean to you?
- What causes you to berate yourself? Why? How can you change this?
- What is your self-talk like right now? If you were speaking to yourself with love, what would you say instead?
- What is the best compliment you can give yourself?
- Are you holding any guilt or resentment towards yourself? Where does this stem from? How can you forgive yourself?
- What emotions are you experiencing right now? How can you accept those emotions?
- When was the last time you felt your self-love wobble? What caused this?
- What is the biggest mistake you have ever made? What would happen if you forgave yourself?
- What lies are you telling yourself? What are the truths? Write them next to each other.
- What is the kindest thing you ever did for someone? How did that make you feel?
Self-love journaling prompts to discover your inner strengths
- What has your body enabled you to do this week?
- What has your mind enabled you to do this week?
- What has your soul enabled you to do this week?
- Write down a time you surprised yourself. What caused this to happen?
- What makes you, you?
- What is your favourite quality about yourself?
- How would your younger self feel about where you are today? What good things would they tell you that you might not see?
- What is the most challenging thing you have ever experienced? What strengths and skills got you through? What did you discover about yourself along the way?
Self-love journaling prompts to give yourself what you need
- What makes you feel good about yourself?
- Who makes you feel good about yourself?
- How can you celebrate yourself today?
- What are you working towards right now? Does it feel realistic? What would you change if you acted from a place of self-love?
- What are you craving in your life at the moment? How can you give that to yourself?
- What would happen if you said no the next time you were asked to do something that did not bring you joy?
- What do you need to feel love for yourself?
- What is making self-love feel unachievable for you? How can you change this?
- What would you change in your life if you loved yourself? In your physical space? Your mental space? Your relationships?
- What are three ways you can treat your body with love each day?
- How could you bring self-love moments into your daily routine? For example, morning pages.
- What is your dream day? When can you next give that to yourself?
Save these prompts and come back to them whenever you need a reset. For more reflective journaling ideas, explore year in review journaling and self-care journaling.
Choose your journal
A wellness journal gives you guided space for mood check-ins alongside your self-love practice. Browse all journals if you prefer an open notebook you can structure yourself.
