Do you write a journal? Many peopleassociate journal writing with young girls writing their hearts out in
childhood diaries, relating all their experiences that either delight, make
them sad, or make them feel embarrassed.
Contrary to what most people whoactually don’t write a journal may associate with journal writing, it’s now
becoming more common for many people to keep one. Journaling has proven to be
advantageous for everyone regardless of age or gender because it has several
benefits for a person’s health, mental wellbeing, memory, and emotions, to name
a few.
The practice of writing a journal is avery ancient tradition, one that dates back to thousands of years ago. This
particular human desire to log memories and record daily thoughts is as old as
handwriting itself.
Throughout history, we’ve come to knowfamous people due to them recording their thoughts on paper. They include
Samuel Pepys in England recording the Great Fire in 1666, travel journals of
the early Christian pilgrims, famous world explorers recording their journeys,
and world leaders and authors. The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius penned his
deepest thoughts into what is now the famous book, "Meditations."
Journaling may be an old tradition, yetit still lives today. This shows us what an effective practice it is, having
outlived centuries and many trends. All history aside, for us today, there is
much evidence from countless studies pointing to the effectiveness of journal
writing.
Journaling Can Improve The Quality ofYour Life
The practice of journaling enables us tofind clarity amidst the clutter and distractions of life. By creating a living
space for holding our thoughts and emotions, journaling enables us to organize
our thoughts and make plans before we take action. With such a tool, we can
accomplish more with our lives, and as a result, journaling helps us improve
our lives in general as it enables us to reach our goals more easily and
effectively.
Journaling Helps With Goal-Setting andMaking Things Happen
A person is 62% more likely to achievetheir goals in life by simply writing them down. This was according to a study
conducted by Dr. Gail Matthews from the Dominican University in California.
Writing things down versus letting them linger (or be lost) in our thoughts is
very powerful as it sends a signal to our brain, triggering it to begin taking
more proactive steps and necessary moves in order to make the goal become a
reality.
Journaling Effectively Clears The Mind
Journaling creates a space for us tohold our emotions and thoughts in, so it allows us to empty our minds from
unnecessary worries, anxieties, and thoughts. Life is complicated enough, and
when our minds are constantly frazzled, confused, and restless, it’s harder to
take action on the things that truly matter. Clarity of mind is very important
and this is another thing a journal can help us with.
Journaling Can Boost a Person’s Mood andEmotions
When our mind is clear, and we are ableto better express ourselves, our mood and emotions follow suit. Inhibiting
emotions and not finding any way to release them causes tension and stress from
within. Much of the time, it’s as simple as identifying our own feelings and
putting a label to our emotions, but even that isn’t so easy to do, until we
journal.
Journaling Enhances A Person’sWell-Being
Apart from catharsis, the practice ofjournal writing also enables creativity to flow. There are no rules when a
person journals. Journaling utilizes the left hemisphere of the brain, enabling
the right hemisphere more freedom to play, which unleashes creativity. In turn,
this improves our sense of well-being.
Journaling Can Help in Coping WithTrauma, Anxiety, and Depression
Several studies note the positive healthbenefits of journaling, citing its effectiveness in the recovery from trauma or
PTSD, and coping with anxiety and depression. Journaling effectively helps
reduce the negative impact of mental illness by allowing a buffer between
negative stimulus and thoughts, thereby enhancing an individual’s mental health
and well-being.
Journaling Can Strengthen The ImmuneSystem
Other studies show the important role ofjournaling to our health, citing improvements to our immune system. There is
evidence pointing to how journaling can strengthen the immune cells, according
to the University of Texas at Austin psychologist and researcher James
Pennebaker. A journaling habit can also help a person lower their blood
pressure and sleep better, which contributes to better health.
As you can see, it’s worth starting ajournal and enjoying the benefits. There is no downside, and you can’t know
just how much it can benefit you until you give it a try!
This post is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered therapy. This blog is only for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered therapy or any form of treatment. We are not able to respond to specific questions or comments about personal situations, appropriate diagnosis or treatment, or otherwise provide any clinical opinions. If you think you need immediate assistance, call your local doctor/psychologist or psychiatrist or the SADAG Mental Health Line on 011 234 4837. If necessary, please phone the Suicide Crisis Line on 0800 567 567 or sms 31393.