Writing is an essential part of being a creative entrepreneur, especially for writers who write all the time.  For this reason, it is so important to unwind mentally. Therefore, I need to calm my creative mind by writing in my notebook or journal at the end of the day.  

But I haven’t always operated this way.  

I can remember when I never gave my creative brain the attention it needed, let alone time to unwind at the end of the day. I worked day and sometimes night writing and using my creativity to help others meet their goals or fulfill their dreams.  Don’t get me wrong; I wasn’t a reluctant participant. With everything project I worked on, I was in it to win it.  But, there were times when I didn’t take the time to collect my thoughts before going to bed.

Then, one day, I came across this Scripture:  

Then Jesus said, “Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” He said this because there were so many people coming and going that Jesus and his apostles didn’t even have time to eat. (Mark 6:31)

This Scripture reminded me that it’s okay to relax and rest. But, it also reminds me that I can depend on the one who “does not slumber or sleep.” (Psalm 121:4).

Thankfully, things are different now.  My type-A, all-in, don’t-stop-til-you-drop personality knows the importance of having a wind-down routine.  

Today, as part of my beautiful, creative life, I embrace downtime. I intentionally make time to calm my creative mind at the end of the day.   

So, to help any writer or creative entrepreneur in need of a wind-down routine or journal prompts, I thought I would share a few things working for me. I pray that these ideas will inspire you to look for opportunities to calm your creative mind at the end of each day.

Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you purchase using the links.

What is a wind-down routine?

A wind-down routine is a set of activities you perform in the same order, at the end of every workday. Wind-down routines or habits can vary and include any calming activity that helps you transition from work to relaxation, like taking a walk, cooking, reading, or journaling.

How can a wind-down routine help calm the mind?

People are creatures of habit.  As with any other routine, a wind-down routine helps our brains recognize when it’s time to transition from work mode to relaxation mode.  By performing the same calming activities in a set order at the end of each workday, your brain sees these steps as a signal to leave work behind.  A wind-down routine doesn’t have to be complicated and can include just a few simple activities.

Why is journaling a good wind-down activity?

When left unchecked, anxious thoughts can activate our sympathetic nervous system.  Have you ever noticed that you sometimes can’t get certain things out of your mind despite your best efforts? For example, I can’t tell you how many times I laid awake at night thinking about what happened earlier at work.  I needed a wind-down routine that helped me tame my thoughts.

Journaling at the end of the day helps me sort out my thoughts.  Most of the time, I reflect on what I accomplished.  But I also jot down my thoughts on things that could have improved my business or new ideas to explore. Of course, the amount of time you spend journaling is up to you.  If journaling (see also ‘What Is A Junk Journal?‘) doesn’t work for you, try writing down a to-do list or your daily goals for the next day.  Knowing what you need to tackle when you return to work the next day can also help calm the mind.

30 Writing Prompts To Help Calm Your Creative Mind

Click here to download the printable version

1. What was your morning like?
2. How did you provide value to the world today?
3. What were your accomplishments today? (no matter how small).
4. What challenges did you encounter today?
5. What emotions did you experience today that you liked? Write about the feelings you didn’t like?
6. How do you feel about any problems that came up today?
7. Complete this sentence honestly – “Right now, I am …” (fill in the blank). Then finish the sentence, “Tomorrow, I want to be ….”
8. If you had to pick one word to describe your day, what would it be?
9. Ask yourself the question, “what is something I want more of in my life, and how can I get it?”
10. Remember a time when you positively impacted someone’s life and how it made you feel.
11. Have a solid heart-to-heart talk with your most prominent critic, your inner you. Then, don’t be afraid to shoot down all the criticism with your successes.
12. Write down five to ten things that you are grateful for today.
13. What are two things about your business or creative life that you love?
14. Choose two aspects of your creative life you want to improve.
15. Write a quick note (see also ‘What Are The Best Pens For Note Taking?‘) to your future self. Congratulate yourself on all your wins over the years.
16. Write about one thing that happened today that you wish you could do-over.
17. Make a list of how you would spend a day doing what makes you feel excited, happy, engaged, or fulfilled.
18. Write down everything that made you angry today, then tear up the list.
19. Write about any new ideas you want to try.
20. Make a list of things you want to do as part of your “me-time” moments.
21. Describe the perfect vacation and write a plan of action to make it happen.
22. Ask yourself how you can release fears that are holding you back from living your best creative life.
23. Write about how you overcame past challenges.
24. Think back to the best advice you have received and how you can apply it now.
25. Write about plans or things you’re looking forward to doing this year.
26. Describe in detail your ideal place for maximum relaxation.
27. Write a quick goodbye note to any fears that held you back today.
28. Write yourself a quick note of apology for anything you’re struggling to let go of.
29. Whom did you connect with today that made you feel valued, supported, or loved?
30. What are you looking forward to tomorrow?