3 Morning Page Prompts for Anxiety Relief
We often wake with a busy mind — thoughts, worries, and to-do lists fighting for attention. We may find comfort in scrolling on our phone to quiet the busy-ness. For many who struggle with anxiety or feel overwhelmed, mornings can be especially challenging. That’s where a simple, therapeutic practice called Morning Pages can help.
Popularized by Julia Cameron in her book The Artist’s Way, Morning Pages are a form of stream-of-consciousness journaling — three handwritten pages done first thing in the morning. You don’t filter. You don’t edit. You just write.
And here’s the key: you don’t reread what you’ve written. There’s no need for analysis, interpretation, or self-critique. This isn’t about crafting perfect words or revisiting the past. It’s about clearing mental clutter and giving your thoughts a safe, private space to land. When you're done, simply close the journal and move on with your day.
For those who experience anxiety or stress (and that’s all of us at some point, right?), Morning Pages can be a grounding tool that complements other mental health support practices. It’s one of the many mindfulness techniques I recommend in my therapy practice.
How Morning Pages Help with Anxiety
Morning Pages are a gentle but powerful way to:
Process emotions and reduce racing thoughts
Connect with your inner wisdom and intuition
Start the day with clarity and calm
Build self-awareness and emotional resilience
If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, here are three therapeutic journaling prompts to guide you:
“Right now, I feel…” — Let your thoughts and emotions spill onto the page without censoring.
“If I could speak to my anxiety, it would say…” — Give your anxiety a voice and listen without judgment.
“Today, I will nurture myself by…” — Choose one small, doable act of self-care to support your emotional well-being.
Remember: there’s no need to read back through what you wrote. This process is about release, not reflection.
Your Challenge This Week:
Try Morning Pages for three days. Before you begin, you may want to create a space that feels calming and supportive. You might light a candle, make a warm cup of tea or coffee, or sit by a window — whatever helps you feel grounded and ready to begin.
Then, just write. Three pages, stream-of-consciousness. Don’t edit, don’t judge, and don’t reread. When you’re finished, simply close the journal and go about your day.
Notice how your body feels after writing. Do your thoughts feel a little clearer? Is there more room to breathe?
If you're exploring journaling for anxiety, or looking for simple mindfulness techniques to manage stress, this practice can be a powerful first step. And if you’re ready for deeper support, I’m here to help you navigate your journey toward healing and clarity.
