If you are making the most out of your summer bucket list, you’re probably spending more time in nature. We love to see it. That’s why this week is all about grounding journal prompts that are best paired with the great outdoors.
TL;DR? You can jump to the journal prompts HERE.
Why is Nature Necessary?
For most of us, time in nature is a special treat. We spend way too much time cramped in cars or huddled over computers. On that note, go ahead and take a second to fix your posture! We all know this isn’t how things should be. As the saying goes, we need to “touch grass”.
But why?
Science tells us that spending time in nature is a surefire way to boost our mental and physical health. Different studies show that nature decreases anxiety/ rumination, lower blood pressure, improves sleep quality, and literally so much more. Guys, it can even lower mortality rates. Pretty much everything we know about the outdoors boils down to nature is necessary.
So just think. If going outside can do that much for your mind and body, what powerful things can it do for your mental health journal? Combining some grounding journal prompts with the great outdoors can take your entries to the next level.
Benefits of Switching Things Up
Nature’s healing power isn’t the only reason to switch up where you journal. While there is so much to be said about finding a consistent journal routine, you can also get a lot out of breaking the norm. Different place = different perspective.
If you struggle to fully dive in when doing grounding journal prompts, a change in scenery might be the key. Especially when that new scene is lush, green, and beautiful. For many people, time in nature jumpstarts something in the brain. It makes you think “ah, now I can finally relax”. It’s another great hack for reducing stress via journaling.
Things to Bring for Your Time in Nature
There isn’t much to journaling outside. Just find a spot, get comfy, and journal. That said, there are a few things you can bring to make your time in nature a lot more productive.
1. Your Emotional Support Water Bottle
o It’s gonna be hard to feel grounded if you are dying of thirst. Make sure you bring a water bottle if you’ll be outside for a long time. Better yet, bring your favorite water bottle. You know the one.
2. Sunscreen
o This is non-negotiable. Especially if you aren’t used to being outdoors often, you need good sun protection. Face sunscreen, full-body sunscreen, and (if you’re pale like me) scalp sunscreen. We are not sacrificing our health to write some grounding journal prompts –quite the opposite, actually.
3. A Prepped Journal
o You’re going to want to limit screen time during this exercise. That said, take a tip from travel journaling, and prep your journal with the grounding journal prompts you want to use. Whether you use the prompts included in this post or any other prompt, it’s helpful to have them written out ahead of time so you aren’t always going back to your phone. Better not to be distracted by pop-up notifications.
If you bring nothing else, don’t forget the journal!
4. Shoes Made for Walkin’
o Not every outdoor excursion requires hiking boots. Still, you want to make sure your footwear won’t stop you from having an adventure. Take a look at where you plan to write and plan accordingly.
5. Bug Spray
o You know what’s not very grounding? Bugs. There’s actually a very popular grounding meditation where you imagine thousands of gnats (gross). You literally don’t need that in your life. Plus, in many parts of the world, ticks are a real problem. Us city folk tend to forget how problematic (or should I say problema-tick) those can be. Save yourself the trouble of Lyme disease. I beg you.
6. A Camera
o After you journal, it can be nice to take some pictures to remind yourself what the scene was like. This can be as simple as your phone or as complicated as a DSLR. However, keep in mind that the photos should only be taken before or after you write. One thing at a time!
Things NOT to Bring for Your Time in Nature
As a chronic over-packer, I understand the urge to bring every possible item you might need. Try to curb that urge.
1. A Phone on Anything But Silent
a. The goal of grounding journal prompts is to really connect with your surroundings. Phone alerts really ruin the vibe. In this day and age, it’s not practical to leave your phone at home. And, at the same time, you owe it to yourself to unplug when spending time in nature. Turning your phone off, on silent, or on do not disturb is a must.
2. Extra Stationary or Pens
a. These grounding journal prompts are designed to be simple. You really want the focus to be on nature and being in the moment. While we love a good art journal prompt, now isn’t the time. If you feel drawn to draw, sketch in pen and save the coloring/ decorating for another journal session.
3. Messy Picnics
a. Snacks are welcome. Sloppy sandwiches are not. Take it from someone who got chocolate ice cream on her travel journal. Sometimes our picnic goals are a little too messy for a pen-and-paper situation. Besides, you’re supposed to leave nothing but footprints, right?
15 Grounding Journal Prompts
Before choosing which of these journal prompts will work best for your next outdoor adventure, consider this: quality is so much better than quantity. At most, pick two. Grounding journal prompts deserve your full attention and effort. That’s hard to do for 3+ journal prompts in a row. If you like more than two, great! That’s just a good excuse to spend more time in nature.
Want an even more low-key journal activity? Try this travel journal template! It’s absolutely free.
· What new growth are you noticing in your new surroundings? What about in yourself?
· Close your eyes and listen for one minute. What sounds did you notice that you didn’t notice before that pause?
· How does it feel to take time to sit and be still? All feelings are welcome.
· What strikes you as the most beautiful part of this scenery? Why?
· How often are you able to be in nature? How does that make you feel?
· Does this place remind you of anything, any place, or anyone?
· Imagine what it would be like to visit this space every day. How would you/ your life change?
· What sensory things (sights, smells, sounds, etc.) are you really enjoying here? What sensory things aren’t so welcome?
· What animals are you noticing? What can you learn from them?
· Even if this bit of nature isn’t the most ideal, how can you appreciate it more?
· Write about each of your 5 senses. What are they experiencing here?
· How do you know when you feel calm? What does it feel like, literally, in your body?
· Write a thank you letter to this place. Why did you choose it? Why is it special?
· Do a toe-to-head body scan. Start by observing (without judgment) how your toes feel. Then observe your ankles, calves, and so on. Write about how that went. Any surprises?
· Are you noticing any restlessness? What about being still feels so uncomfortable?
