2024, may 9
creative writing for mental health
almost every night just before sleeping, i write down a few good moments and visual snapshots of the day in my bedtime diary. this practice helps me take something pleasant into my sleep and gives me something joyful to think about when i wake up. i developed this routine when i was struggling emotionally and i desperately needed something to shift my mind at night (for the night is dark and full of terrors). over time, i've noticed that not only does this practice nourish my mental health, but it also enriches my creative writing. many of the snippets i create at bedtime find their way into my other texts. though it is very important for me not to aim for producing valuable snippets of writing because that shifts away from the original purpose: to capture and create a pleasant good night feeling.
prompt 1: good moments of the day
write down 1-4 moments that were good (enough) today.
this can be a moment when
you felt a connection
you experienced flow
you accomplished something
something made you smile or laugh
you felt like life is doing you a favor
you felt relieved
you felt joy
prompt 2: sensual details of my favourite vibe today
write down a kind of delicious vibe or mood from today that you‘d like to carry with you into your sleep
capture the sensory details associated with that mood:
visual details
sounds
scents
flavours
tactile feel
bodily sensations
prompt 3: visual snapshots of the day
capture 5 visual snapshots of the day. they can be very small, as long as they feel beautiful to you.
example: ……jacaranda flowers float on puddles, some final leftovers from spring in november. at home, my sunnies cast a coca-cola-colored shadow on the wall, and i let myself fall into bed where dark blue siesta sleep starts creeping into my tired muscles. later, a waiter sets a sizzling plate on our table, and its steam fills the air, blending with the light of red lanterns… (excerpt from my bedtime diary)
prompt 4: first thoughts when waking up
complete the sentence:
»tomorrow when i wake up, the first thing i want to think of to buoy my mood:…«
what else?
what else?
what else?
example: »i want to think of my new running shoes, remember that i cleaned the kitchen, and look forward to the global conference on friday…«
note: it can be pretty mundane. this might be the least poetic prompt — but who knows. a lot of times i only see the poetic aspects in hindsight when i scroll through all my diary entries.