Digital Anxiety Journal - ALL-Hyperlinked (1)
Digital Anxiety Journal - ALL-Hyperlinked (1)
ANXIETY
JOURNAL
Index
Journal Prompts
Exploring roots and coping Embracing Self Compassion
Triggers and Reflection Facing Regrets and Forgiveness
Overcoming Anxiety and Creating Calm Gratitude and Self- Reflections
Future focus and Perceptions Facing Fears and Emotional Expression
External Influences and Personal Growth Exploring Self-Image and Projection
Action Steps and Reflection Facing Fear and Courage
Mindset and Coping Strategies Acceptance and Coping with Uncertainty
Aspects of Self Improvement Support and Self Advice
Exploring Beliefs and Preconceptions Exploring Self-worth and Inner Critic
Relationships and Boundaries Traits and Emotions
Understanding Emotional Triggers Exploring Boundaries and Assertiveness
Welcome to your Anxiety Journal – a dedicated space designed to accompany you on a journey
behind discovering why you feel anxious, understanding your triggers and how to navigate your
anxiety.
Journaling can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety as it allows you to express and process your
thoughts and emotions in a safe and private space. It gives you the space to gain insight into what
triggers your anxiety and how to manage it by writing down your thoughts and feelings. Your anxiety
journal can also help you identify negative patterns of thinking and behaviour, providing you with an
opportunity to reframe them in a positive light and work towards managing your feelings of anxiety.
To make the most of this journal, kick things off by acknowledging anxiety as a storm of thoughts
swirling in your mind. Spot those anxious thoughts – they usually come in hot with urgency and a
touch of overwhelm. Take a breather and remind yourself that thoughts don't get to call the shots on
reality. Ease into a chill meditation to find your center, clearing the mental fog and tapping into your
inner wisdom
Decide when it's time to tackle those thoughts head-on. Take a fresh look at what you thought were
big problems. Approach challenges with a sprinkle of love and a dash of peace – armed with your
newfound clarity and wisdom. Consider this process your all-access pass to navigate the twists and
turns of anxiety and towards personal growth.
Approach the journaling process with openness and honesty, allowing for genuine self-exploration
without judgment. Consistency is key—establish a journaling routine so you can uncover patterns
and understand the roots of your anxiety. Acknowledge that progress takes time.
PRACTICE PATIENCE, COMPASSION, AND SEEK PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT IF NEEDED. IF CONFRONTING YOUR
ANXIETY BECOMES OVERWHELMING, REACH OUT TO A LICENSED PROFESSIONAL FOR GUIDANCE.
Research suggests that there are many possible causes of anxiety. Including faulty mood
regulation by the brain, genetics, personality type, and stressful life events. It is believed that
there is no single cause of depression (such as missing the happy gene) and sometimes
several of these forces interact to bring on anxiety.
Everyone’s causes and triggers are different.
Anxiety is not caused by laziness, weakness, and the inability to “suck it up”!
Environmental factors include any stressful life events Many people get confused about their caused .
or example, death, trauma, natural disasters, getting They feel that they don’t have a “a reason” to feel
sick, abuse or even pollution that way. Some lack substances in the brain
(called neurotransmitters) could contribute to anxiety
Certain personality types are more at risk of Negative thinking patterns can over time lead to
developing anxiety than others, such as, perfectionists, anxiety. Experts have identified several cognitive
easily flustered, lack self-esteem or want to control distortion patterns that can cause anxiety
everything
Preferring to be alone, withdrawing, spending too much Some research indicates that someone with a
time on social media or playing video games. Being first-degree relative diagnosed with anxiety
inactive or even having poor self care can all contribute could be three times more likely to be
to anxiety diagnosed with anxiety in their lifetime compared
to the general population
Individuals living with anxiety may feel as though they are constantly drained of energy, motivation
and hope, this can drastically affect their life, daily routines, and their behavior. Unfortunately, It’s
these changes that makes their anxiety worse and prevents them from getting better.
Take a look at the anxiety cycle below.
TRIGGERS
A trigger is any event or situation that causes stress
or hardship. These may be short-term or long-term
and are different for everyone.
THOUGHTS
Feelings
The way we think will affect how we think and feel and vice versa, the way we feel will affect the way we think.
For example: “I feel frightened” therefore there must be something to be frightened about.
Physical Responses
Anxiety affects much more than just worrying thoughts, the body responds to triggers, and negative feelings,
with physical symptoms.
For example: muscle pains, headache, backaches and or nausea
Behavior
The way we act in response those thoughts, feelings, and symptoms can feed your anxiety and actually worsen triggers, or
create new stressors.
For example: withdrawal, addiction, lack of hygiene
The cognitive model emphasizes how thoughts and beliefs impact outcomes, illustrating a self-
reinforcing cycle of negative beliefs leading to overthinking and anxiety. Adopting positive beliefs
can break this cycle. The provided questions help analyze thoughts and behaviors, offering clarity
on subconscious processes, enabling intervention to overcome worry and anxiety. Answering
these questions will help you to understand your anxiety.
1. When did you first notice feeling anxious? Can you think as to why it 9. When could I work a relaxation technique into my schedule? Which
started? technique appeals to me the most?
2. What normally triggers your anxiety? 10. When could I make time for meditation? Do I feel comfortable that
I know enough to try meditation? Where can I learn more?
3. What thoughts do you have when you feel anxious? 11. Write down a thought or a belief that’s causing you anxiety
4. What symptoms do you experience when you’re feeling anxious? 12. What evidence do you have for this thought?
5. Make a list of things you do to cope with your anxiety 10. What evidence do you have against this thought?
6. How do worry and anxiety affect my life 11. Now look at the evidence both for and against the thought/belief.
Which way does the evidence lean?
7. What changes can I make to my diet and exercise routine to reduce 12. Is there some cognitive distortion behind this belief/thought? If yes,
the level of stress in my body? then which one?
8. Am I getting enough sleep? If not, how can I change my schedule to 13. What would be more fair and balanced alternative to your original
accommodate more sleep? thoughts/ beliefs? Think of something you’d say to a close friend who
you’d want to help
You can set a timer on your phone or any other device to keep the time.
Find a comfortable seat or a spot to lay with your body flat on the ground, arms
relaxed and slightly apart from your body. Close your eyes and let your thoughts
start to float by, not worrying or trying to interact with any of them. Bring your
attention to your breath and breathe in through your nose for a count of four.
Breathe deep into your belly, fill your chest and then your back. Pause at the top
and then gently let the air out with a smooth even exhale through your mouth.
You can then start to release some tension in your body for more of a relaxing
effect. Releasing the muscles in your face, then the throat and neck; shoulders and
then your chest. Then continue to relax the upper arms, elbows, forearms and
hands. Next release your middle back, low back and abdomen. Then your legs,
knees, feet and toes. Let your body sink into the ground while still keeping slowly
and smoothly.
When your five minutes are up, gently open your eyes, slowly sit up and reground.
Now that you have calmed your body and mind, you will be able to think more
clearly.
Self care
What was my thought process when I felt anxious and how could I improve this?
(If you had an anxiety free day, what thoughts helped you remain calm/anxiety free?)
What has today taught me? Positive things that happened today:
Journaling is a powerful tool for managing anxiety because it allows you to express and
process your thoughts and emotions in a safe and private space. You can gain insight into
what triggers your anxiety and how to manage it by writing down your thoughts and feelings.
Journaling also helps you identify negative patterns of thinking and behaviour and provides
an opportunity to reframe them more positively.
What can I do today to help my mindset? What recent challenge did you face, how did you
overcome it?
Envision your ideal future self, what they look like, and how you can become that person
Here is a list of 5 things that I am grateful for in How can I embrace my authentic self and
my life: accept my strengths and weakness?
Imagine you are faced with anxiety-producing situations from above, describe the ....
Worst Outcome
Best Outcome
Likely Outcome
Symptoms of my anxiety (E.g. Shortness of breath, increased heart rate, feeling hot)
Things I can
control
SYMPTOMS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Irritability
Fear
Panic
Trouble concentrating
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Dizziness
PHYSICAL
Numbness
Tense muscles
Unhealthy Behaviors M T W T F S S
Substance abuse
Self-harm
Overspending
Porn or promiscuity
Disorder eating
Lying/manipulating
Cheating or stealing
Avoiding or procastinating
Violence/ Fighting
Others:
I am in control
A Acceptance
Asking for time when needed
N Nature appreciation and involvement
Networking (e.g. support groups)
B
Open mindedness (e.g. to new ideas
Boundary recognition and adherence
Begin reaching out to others
O One step at a time
Overcoming (e.g. fears)
C Communicate effectively
Choose to be proactive
P Problem-solving
Practicing
D Drawing
Deciding to end a relationship
Q Quality relationships
Questioning my stress management
F Fighting fairly
Focusing on my needs
S Supporting myself
Sticking to my values and beliefs
Imagery Visualization
I Identify emotions
Inner-strength to make tough decisions V Valuing my age and experience
Volunteering
Journaling Walking
J Jogging
Joining social activities
W Writing letters
Working on my assertiveness skills
Kindness Exercise
K Knowledge of my capabilitites
Keeping in touch with friends X Expressing myself
Expanding my friendships
Y
Limit setting Young at heart attitude
L Leisure time
Looking for alternatives
Yearly physical check-ups
Year around self-control
M Money Management
Motivating self to do things
Z Zealous self-care
Zeroing in on my coping skills
The Past
Templatables by Creative Jam
Inner Child
Observe and reflect on how your childhood influences are present within you today.
Embracing the child within is important for balance, happiness and fun!
What memories from childhood stand out? What feelings do you associate with those
memories?
Childhood
What would you like to tell your younger self?
The Past
Templatables by Creative Jam
Childhood Memories
Childhood memories etched into the subconscious can affect many things in life without
you even realizing what the root cause is, reflecting on your childhood memories is helpful
How these events shape you as a person and your life today?
How much time you take to come to peace with these events and memories?
Things I can do to work through the negative Things I can do to channel the positive emotions
emotions
What patterns/habits do you feel like you inherited from your parents?
What can you change or do differently to break How will I hold myself accountable to put forth
those patterns? the effort to break these patterns?
My Patterns
Templatables by Creative Jam
Reflections
Reflection is a vital process for Shadow work as it allows you to really analyse yourself
and your life. Figuring out what you want and what no longer serves you.
Which parts of yourself do you feel like you have lost that you would like to get back?
Is there anything that you may be taking for granted and if so, what and why?
What is one small step can you take each day to allow these things to no longer trigger me
reflections
Templatables by Creative Jam
Limiting Beliefs
List the beliefs that limit you to begin breaking them down
What do you not like about yourself? What do you not like about others?
What do you think that others like and dislike about you
What makes you feel negative emotions (anger, Why do those things make you feel that way?
sadness, fear, irritation, rejection, etc)
Write down the names of people who trigger How do you observe these actions in your
you and what actions they do to own personality and behaviors
make you feel that way
How do you want to feel within yourself? Why do you want to embody?
How can you eliminate things or people from What things can you not change?
your life that no longer serve you in a positive
way?
Acceptance
Templatables by Creative Jam
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is so important for mental clarity and general self-care, holding grudges
or feelings of resentment can create weights on the soul. Forgiveness is often the last piece
you need to find closure
Have you forgiven people who have hurt you? Why/Why not?
Do you find to hold a grudge and if so, how long? What steps can I take to work toward
forgiveness?
What one small step you can take each day to How do you think your life would be different if
begin to forgive? those people didn't hurt you?
How do my past experiences shape my What are my beliefs and expectations about love,
perception and understanding of love? and where do they come from?
Are there any fears or insecurities that hinder Are there any self-limiting beliefs about love and
my ability to give and receive love fully? relationships that hold you back from
experiencing deeper connections?
How can I cultivate a more compassionate and nurturing relationship with myself and others?
Love
Templatables by Creative Jam
Family
Exploring your family dynamics helps you understand your beliefs and behaviors, leading
to healing and the development of more genuine and satisfying relationships
How has my family influenced my beliefs, What are the dynamics and communication
behaviors, and patterns in life? styles within my family? How do they impact me?
Are there any unresolved conflicts or emotional How do I define and experience love within my
wounds within my family that I need to address? family? Are there any areas that require healing
or improvement?
What are my roles and responsibilities within my family, and do they align with my authentic self?
Family
Templatables by Creative Jam
Habits
Understanding and exploring your habits provides insight into your patterns of behavior and
empowers you to make positive changes in your life for personal growth and well-being.
What are the habits that currently shape my daily life and routines?
Which habits support my well-being and personal growth, and which ones hinder them?
Are there any habits that I would like to change or replace with healthier alternatives?
How can I cultivate new habits that align with my values and goals?
Habit
Templatables by Creative Jam
Traumas
Acknowledging and exploring your past traumas allows room for healing and
can empower you to create more resilience.
How have past traumas impacted me? How do my traumas shape my beliefs, behaviors,
and relationships?
What emotions and triggers are associated with Are there unresolved aspects of my traumas that
my traumas? need healing?
What predominant thoughts and emotions do I Do my current behaviors align with my values and
experience in the present? goals?
Am I fully present in the moment, or do I often How can I enhance mindfulness and awareness in
dwell in the past or worry about the future? the present moment?
Boundaries
Templatables by Creative Jam
Quotes
"Within the pages of your shadow journal lies the transformative power to illuminate the
hidden corners of your soul and embrace the profound wisdom that emerges from within."
ASPECTS OF SELF-IMPROVEMENT:
22. What aspects of yourself would you like to improve? Why?
23. What do you think is holding you back from living up to your highest potential? What can you do
about it?
24. How do you handle negative emotions, and what emotions do you tend to avoid? Why?
25. Are you honest with yourself about your feelings, or do you tend to be dishonest? In what ways?
EMBRACING SELF-COMPASSION:
42. How do you handle failure, and what is your definition of failure? Are you afraid of it, and why?
43. What aspects of yourself do you find hard to accept, and why?
44. Write a letter to yourself, expressing words of encouragement and self-compassion.
45. Recall a past rejection after opening up to someone. How did you cope with it?
46. Examine your expectations and standards. Are they realistic, and can you set kinder ones?
Identify three positive coping mechanisms that have helped you manage anxiety
i
in the past.
What is a recurring negative thought or belief associated with your anxiety, and how can
i
you reframe it?
Describe the physical sensations you associate with anxiety and how they
i
manifest in your body.
List three things you can do to create a calming environment when anxiety arises. i
Reflect on the impact of your daily routine on your anxiety levels. Are
i
there adjustments you can make?
Write a letter to your future self about overcoming anxiety and living a more
i
fulfilled life.
What self-care activities bring you a sense of peace and relief from anxiety? i
If anxiety had a voice, what would it be saying to you? How would you respond? i
Identify a role model or mentor who has successfully navigated anxiety. What
i
lessons can you draw from their experience?
How does social media contribute to or alleviate your anxiety? Reflect on your i
online habits.
Write about a small, achievable step you can take today to confront and i
overcome anxiety.
Explore the influence of relationships on your anxiety levels. Are there toxic i
connections that need addressing?
Reflect on your expectations for the future. How do they contribute to anxiety, i
and can they be adjusted?
List five things you are grateful for today to shift your focus away from anxiety. i
Explore the connection between your inner dialogue and anxiety. How can you
i
cultivate a more positive self-talk?
Write a fictional story where the protagonist successfully navigates and conquers i
anxiety.
What do you think is holding you back from living up to your highest potential?
i
What can you do about it?
How do you handle negative emotions, and what emotions do you tend
i
to avoid? Why?
Are you honest with yourself about your feelings, or do you tend to be dishonest?
i
In what ways?
Under what conditions do you experience your most inspired and creative self? i
What are your preconceptions towards masculinity, and where did these
i
come from?
What limiting beliefs do you hold about yourself, and how do they
i
influence your actions and choices?
What friendships or relationships do you hold onto that are unhealthy for you?
i
Why haven't you let them go?
How do you enforce boundaries in your relationships, and how do you feel
i
when someone oversteps them?
Are you putting enough effort into your relationships? How can you improve
i
your connections with others?
Reflect on any friendships or relationships in your life that you suspect may be
i
unhealthy. What are the warning signs, and how do these dynamics affect your well-being?
What are the emotional triggers in your life, and where do you think they stem from? i
Explore the labels and identities you have assigned yourself. Which of these are
i
empowering, and which may be holding you back?
Are there any habits or patterns in your life that you struggle to break free from?
i
Examine the root causes and potential ways to change them.
How do you react when you experience anger, and do you find similarities in how you
i
react to others who may have been in your life since childhood?
Identify recurring themes that trigger strong emotional reactions in your life. i
How do you handle failure, and what is your definition of failure? Are you afraid
i
of it, and why?
Recall a past rejection after opening up to someone. How did you cope with it? i
Examine your expectations and standards. Are they realistic, and can you set
i
kinder ones?
Write about a time when you chose not to forgive someone. Why did you make that
i
decision, and how did it affect you emotionally?
Reflect on a belief you hold about yourself that you consider to be limiting. Where did
i
this belief come from, and how has it affected your actions and choices?
Reflect on a hurtful comment or action. Examine motives and emotions behind it.
i
Explore self-forgiveness and its impact.
What are you thankful for in your life, and how can you practice more gratitude? i
List 20 things you love about yourself, and write an apology letter to yourself for
i
forgetting these things.
How do you view asking for help, and do you see it as a sign of strength or weakness? i
Do you reward your achievements? If not, how can you begin to do so? i
Recent personal growth from facing challenges? Reflect on the lessons learned. i
What positive impact has someone had on your life? How can you express i
gratitude for it?
What is the biggest fear you have about the future, and how does it impact your i
emotions and actions?
Reflect on how you handle negative emotions. Are you open about them with others, i
or do you tend to suppress them?
When did you last sit with discomfort? How did it make you feel? i
How do others perceive you, and how does it influence your behavior
i
and interactions?
Do you project certain aspects of yourself onto others? Where does it stem from and
i
how does it affect your relationships?
What areas of your life do you want to transform and why? Can you identify steps for
i
making this change?
How does the image you project to others impact your authenticity and self-
i
expression?
How do you navigate situations where you feel inauthentic? Effects on self and
i
interactions?
What is the biggest fear that holds you back from taking action towards your goals?
i
How can you cultivate the courage to confront and overcome this fear?
Reflect on a time when fear prevented you from trying something new. What valuable
i
lessons can you learn from this experience?
Describe a time you displayed courage outside your comfort zone. How can you
i
apply that courage in other aspects of life?
Explore the concept of acceptance and how it relates to managing anxiety in your life. i
How do you handle uncertainty? Reflect on your strategies for coping with
i
the unknown.
Identify a fear related to your anxiety. Can you break it down into smaller,
i
manageable steps to overcome?
What advice would you give to a friend experiencing anxiety? Apply that advice to i
yourself.
How do you criticize yourself, and where do these critical thoughts stem from? i
Write about a specific incident from your past that significantly impacted your self-
i
worth. How can you reframe this experience to foster self-compassion?
What internal beliefs do you hold about yourself that hinder your personal growth?
i
How can you challenge and transform these beliefs?
Make a list of the traits you consider to be the “best” and "worst" a person can have. i
Do you have any dark desires or fantasies? Where might these desires come from? i
What traits or emotions do you tend to judge or suppress in yourself? How can you
i
embrace and integrate these aspects of yourself for personal growth?
Write about a trait or emotion that you believe has held you back in the past. How can
i
you work towards transforming it into a positive force in your life?
Identify situations where you struggle to set boundaries with others. How can you
i
practice assertiveness in these circumstances?
Reflect on past experiences where you compromised your boundaries for the sake of
i
others' approval. How can you prioritize your needs without feeling guilty?
Write about a person who consistently pushes your boundaries. How can you
i
communicate your limits effectively and maintain healthy relationships?
Reflect on a situation where you overcame fear and successfully set boundaries. How
i
can you draw on that experience in future challenges?
Explore a situation where you avoided setting boundaries due to fear of conflict. How
i
can you approach similar situations with more assertiveness?