33 Deep Winter Journal Prompts For Adults {Free Printable}

Are you feeling like you need a little extra inspiration during these cold, dark months? Try winter season journaling! I’ve got 33 winter journal prompts for adults to help you stay inspired and reflect on your growth and development.

My hope is that you’ll even challenge yourself to seek experiences outside your comfort zone and discover more of what this season has to offer.

Let’s explore some journal prompts for winter and how you might use them to make the most of this special time of year!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of my journal writing prompts for more seasonal prompts and ideas to fit all of your journaling needs. 

Text 33 deep winter journal prompts for adults on white background over cozy winter scene with journal, blanket and candle.

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This blog post will explore the various aspects of using winter journal prompts for adults. Let’s talk about:

  • The benefits of journaling during the winter
  • 33 deep winter journaling prompts to write about this season
  • How to make journaling part of your daily routine
  • Ways to make the most of your winter journaling

Benefits Of Winter Journaling For Adults

The winter season can present many challenges. With the dark days and often cold temperatures, it’s easy to feel unmotivated and overwhelmed. But there are ways to stay inspired while taking advantage of this time of year.

One of the best ways is winter journaling. Winter journal prompt ideas provide an opportunity for creativity, self-reflection, and mindfulness that can set a positive tone during this cold season even when the outdoor landscape seems dull and dreary.

My favorite benefit: With winter season journaling, you can stay cozy in the comfort of your home. 

Did I mention that I’m probably the most indoorsy person EVER? So I might be a little biased about how wonderful it is to sit by the crackling fire and give myself permission to just think and write on a snowy day. Talk about winter journaling aesthetic! But hey… what’s not to love about that?! 

(If you totally relate to the whole ‘indoorsy’ thing, you can grab my printable indoorsy definition here and my favorite ‘indoorsy’ tumbler here — it keeps hot chocolate HOT.)

During the quiet times of winter, journaling also gives you a chance to get really clear about setting powerful goals and plans. Digging into your ‘why’ and then writing about the ‘how’ is extremely powerful and motivating. 

For some people, journaling can also be a therapeutic help with occasional winter blues. 

Note: These journal prompts are NOT to be used in place of professional counseling or treatment. Please seek help if you are feeling ‘extra’ down or not like yourself. 

33 Winter Journal Prompts For Adults

Most people in the U.S. automatically think of writing prompts for various winter holidays, but let’s set those ideas aside for now and consider other possibilities… which is why I think you’ll like the unique journal prompts in this post.

Some of these winter prompts seem like simple questions, and some may even seem a bit similar. But if you really think about them and dig beneath the surface, you’ll come up with some pretty deep and introspective answers with unique angles that may surprise you.

Don’t be afraid to spend some quality time with this list of journal prompts during the winter. Go further than answering the basic question, expanding on your thoughts and how you can apply things to your life every day.

1. Make a list of winter memories that you treasure. Why do these experiences stand out in your mind?

2. What emotions does the winter season evoke in you, and how do you cope with them?

3. Describe your ideal winter day, from start to finish. What activities would you do, and who would you spend it with?

4. What is the coziest thing you own, and how does it help you feel warm and comfortable during the winter months?

5. Describe a winter experience that challenged your assumptions or beliefs.

6. What can you do to bring more joy into your life during the winter season?

7. Write about a time when you tried a new winter activity. How did it challenge you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Winter activity journal prompt over background of journal and pine branches on wood table.

8. Describe a winter activity that helps you to connect with your inner child.

9. How has the winter season influenced your sense of identity?

10. What is your favorite thing about winter, and how do you savor and enjoy it to the fullest?

11. Describe a time when you felt empowered during the winter season.

12. What can you do to cultivate more compassion for yourself and others during the winter season?

13. Describe a winter activity that helps you to connect with your intuition and inner guidance.

14. How has the winter season influenced your sense of community and belonging?

15. What is something you can do to make a positive impact on your community during the winter season?

16. Write about a winter experience that helped you to gain a deeper appreciation for the power of transformation.

17. Describe a winter activity that helps you to find peace.

Winter mindfulness journal prompt on cozy winter background of journal and candle.

18. What can you do to cultivate more presence and mindfulness in your daily life during the winter season?

19. What is your favorite winter scent, and what memories or emotions does it evoke for you?

20. Write about a winter experience that taught you the importance of letting go of control.

21. Describe a winter activity that helps you feel more connected to others.

22. How has the winter season influenced your sense of creativity and self-expression?

23. What can you do to cultivate a deeper sense of gratitude during the winter season?

24. Write about a winter experience that has made you more resilient.

Connect with the natural rhythms of the earth winter journal prompt over sunny outdoor winter scene with snow and coffee mug.

25. Describe a winter activity that helps you to connect with the natural rhythms of the earth.

26. What can you do to cultivate more self-awareness and self-discovery during the winter season?

27. What is your favorite winter drink, and how does it help you get through the colder months?

28. Describe a time when you felt a sense of awe at the power of nature during the winter season.

29. How has the winter season impacted your relationships with others?

30. What practices can you cultivate to help you find inner stillness during this season?

31. What is been your biggest challenge during the winter season, and how do/will you overcome it?

32. What can you do to find meaning and purpose in the darkness and cold of the winter season?

33. List the things that motivate you during the winter, from staying active to pursuing creative projects. What drives you to stay productive?

How To Make Journaling Part Of Your Daily Routine

Incorporating winter journaling into your daily routine can be a great way to stay positive and creative during the colder months. Here are 5 ideas for adding winter journaling to your day:

  1. Select a journal – Choose a journal that appeals to you aesthetically and feels comfortable in your hands (I have this refillable leather journal). This will help create an inviting feeling each time you open it. Here are my picks for the best journals for writing.
  2. Choose any prompts you like – There are no ‘wrong’ journal prompts! Consider prompts related to the winter season, such as gratitude journal prompts or nature observations. You can also select prompts related to confidence or personal reflection.
  3. Set aside time – Commit to setting aside 5-20 minutes each day for journaling as part of your morning or evening routine.
  4. Let go of judgement – Journaling is 100% personal! It allows us to write without judgement or guilt, so don’t hesitate or feel embarrassed if you make mistakes with spelling or write about thoughts that you can’t imagine saying out loud. Write from the heart with honesty and openness.
    And don’t let a blank page scare you! Once you’ve chosen your prompt as a starting point, just write… even if your words don’t seem perfectly on-topic when you begin. You’ll find your way.
    Related: How To Write A Daily Journal Even If You’re A Total Beginner
  5. Make it fun – Incorporate fun elements like colored pens, stickers, photos, or winter journal ephemera into your pages for a playful approach that builds motivation and sparks creativity throughout the winter season. You might even find yourself experimenting with creative journaling, which is so fun!
    On the other hand, if this is your first time journaling, you might just want to keep things super-simple with a composition-style notebook and any old pen you find. There’s nothing wrong with that either!

Make the Most Out of Journaling in Winter

Open journal and snowy pine branches on wood table.

Be mindful and intentional about your approach to journaling, but don’t limit yourself to ONLY thinking and writing.

While writing about your feelings, observations, and plans is important… what’s even MORE vital is to pair ACTION with what you’ve written. Sometimes you have to see something on paper before your mind is in a place to do anything about it.

Get those things out of your head and in front of your face so you can figure out your next action steps.

By exploring the various practical, creative, and intentional approaches to the winter season through journaling, I hope you’ll find yourself more equipped to handle any challenges that might arise during these colder months.

More Inspiration For An Intentional Winter

20 Spring Journal Prompts for Reflection and Seasonal Goal-Setting

7 Simple and Productive Things To Do Over Winter Break

Easy Journaling Ideas For Beginners To Get You Started Today

23 Winter And Coffee Quotes To Warm Your Soul

20 Fabulous Fall Journal Prompts: Get Creative and Reflective

30 Gifts For People Who Hate Winter {Perfect Cozy Gift Ideas!}

I hope these deep winter journal prompts inspire you to take advantage of this season and make it special! Don’t let cold weather or snow days get you down. Keep reflecting, keep exploring, and stay warm.

Happy writing!


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