As spring reaches full bloom, May offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and turn inward. Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us to prioritize self-care and emotional well-being—and journaling is one of the most effective, accessible ways to do just that.

Whether you’re new to journaling or a long-time writer, thoughtful prompts can help you go deeper, process emotions, and spark personal growth. At MindSol Wellness Center, we often recommend journaling as a complement to therapy because it helps individuals clarify their thoughts, improve emotional regulation, and gain new insight into their patterns and behaviors.

Below are 12 journaling prompts for May to help you reflect, recharge, and reframe your inner world.

Reflect: Look Inward and Take Stock

These prompts invite self-awareness and honest exploration.

1. What emotions have been most present for me this month? Where do I feel them in my body?
   Naming emotions builds emotional intelligence and increases your ability to respond rather than react.
2. What’s something I’ve been avoiding, and why?
   Avoidance often protects us from discomfort, but it can also prevent healing. Identifying it is the first step toward change.
3. Who or what has influenced my mood lately—for better or worse?
   Reflecting on influences can help you strengthen boundaries and nurture positive relationships.
4. What’s a moment from this month I’m grateful for, and what made it meaningful?
   Gratitude journaling has been shown to improve mental health by shifting attention toward what’s working well.
   Source: PositivePsychology.com – Gratitude & Wellbeing

Recharge: Reconnect with Joy and Energy

These prompts can help you reconnect with what fills your cup.

5. What activities make me feel truly recharged? How can I make space for more of them this month?
6. When was the last time I laughed or felt playful? What brought that out in me?
7. What does rest mean to me—beyond just sleep? What forms of rest do I need more of right now?
   Consider the different types of rest: physical, mental, emotional, social, and creative.
   Related blog post: How to Make Sure You’re Using Your Time the Way You Want
8. What boundaries do I need to set (or reset) to protect my time and energy?

Reframe: Shift Perspectives for Growth

These prompts help you challenge limiting beliefs and approach life with a fresh lens.

9. What’s a negative thought I’ve been holding onto, and how might I reframe it more compassionately?
   Reframing helps replace harsh inner criticism with self-understanding. A therapist can guide this process further.
10. What’s something difficult I went through that taught me something valuable?
11. If I could speak to myself one year ago, what encouragement or wisdom would I offer?
12. What story am I telling myself right now about who I am? Does that story support or limit me?
    Consider how early experiences, such as emotional neglect, might shape these narratives.
    Related post: 5 Ways Emotional Neglect Can Set You Up for Depression

Make Journaling a Mindful Practice

There’s no “right” way to journal. You might write freely in a notebook, type in a document, or even use a voice recorder. The key is honesty, curiosity, and compassion. Let these prompts guide you—not to judge yourself—but to better understand and support your own well-being.

And remember, you don’t have to do it all alone. Journaling can open emotional doors that therapy helps walk through. At MindSol Wellness Center, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

If you’re ready to go deeper in your healing or would like to explore how therapy can complement your journaling practice, contact MindSol Wellness Center today.
📞 (941) 256-3725
🌐 www.mindsolsarasota.com

Let May be your month to reflect, recharge, and reframe—with support and intention.