It has been well established that writing things down is good for you, with scientific studies having shown how this simple task can empower the mind and soul.
Journaling helps you reflect on your thoughts, feelings and experiences. If you see yourself juggling stress and emotional problems, expressive writing is a good way to figure out trigger patterns, so you can start looking for solutions while working through the issues.
Here are five ways this activity can transform mental health. If you aren’t already into the habit of writing things down, why not take up journaling this New Year?
Attain wellness and stress relief
Journaling is a good way to relieve stress and improve wellness as it allows you to release your thoughts and feelings in a private place. Writing things down helps you move past stress triggers while organising your thoughts, making it an effective therapeutic practice when you are feeling overwhelmed.
Practise journaling regularly and you will start treating yourself with compassion and kindness, which will lead to overall wellness.
Achieve greater mental clarity
Journaling is a way to release emotions that are pent-up over time. This is why writing can be a form of self-care that helps you destress and unburden the mind.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, write down your thoughts to gain clarity. Reviewing your journal pages can provide you with a fresh perspective on the issues at hand, leading to solutions that previously might have eluded you.
Try the “stream of consciousness” approach: take time to write freely, allowing things that come to mind to simply flow. Don’t worry whether it makes sense; this method can lead you towards greater peace of mind as you exernalise your emotions and take a step back.
Analyse complex emotions
Relatedly, you can identify certain patterns while working through complex emotions, especially negative or destructive patterns. Journaling helps you control your emotions; by keeping a record of thoughts and experiences, you can get a better handle on ways to cope.
So, if you face emotional stress due to family or work issues, for example, keeping a journal can help you understand changes you need to make in life for a positive outcome.
Track your progress towards goals
With writing, you can keep yourself motivated to attain a major life goal. For instance, when you train for a marathon, journaling can help you track your everyday run times so you can see your progress over time.
You can also write about your experiences and emotions during practice sessions, which will help you feel more focused and motivated.
If you wish to make a big change such as quitting smoking, becoming debt-free, exercising more, or eating more healthily, journaling can help you understand your patterns. Seeing your progress in written form is likely to boost your morale, while keeping you accountable.
Boost creativity
By expressing your thoughts and ideas on a piece of paper, you can look for new ways to approach them. For creative souls, an art journal is a good way to release blockages and find inspiration.
Otherwise, try visual journaling using images to express your feelings. (On a side note, how about delving into an adult colouring book?)
Read more articles by Dennis Relojo-Howell here.
Dennis Relojo-Howell is the managing director of Psychreg and host of ‘The DRH Show’. Connect with him on X (Twitter) at @dennisr_howell.