Journaling Can Help You De-Stress

November 20th, 2008 by DawnMeisch | Filed under Healthy Living, Women's Health.

Journaling is on the simplest level keeping a diary. However, if instead of just recording the events of every day, you allow it to be a medium to explore the meaning behind the events in your life, it can become an important tool in your overall health.

Writing allows your stream of consciousness to help tap unconscious thoughts. It can be a powerful way to help you de-stress, especially if journals are used for problem solving and self discovery. It can be a great outlet for emptying the mind of worrying thoughts and experiences. Sometimes, it’s much safer saying something on paper instead of yelling at or saying something hurtful to another person.

Studies have shown that journaling can help you

store your creative ideas to use later.
achieve your goals by clarifying them.
learn about yourself.
solve problems more easily.
deal more appropriately with stressful events.
emotionally heal from traumatic situations.
enhance your relationships with others.

The most effective way to achieve these benefits is to just let it flow. Don’t censor what you write or worry about grammar and structure. Try to write everyday for at least 10 minutes or more if you have the time. Make sure you have a comfortable spot where you are less likely to be interrupted.

It is easy to start a journal with just a few tools. You simply need paper and a writing implement or if you are artistically inclined, a drawing implement as well. If you would prefer something with more style, there are many beautiful journals available at stationary or book stores. If you’d like some ideas on how to begin or what to write about there are a number of resources available online.

Here are a few suggestions to spark your own ideas:

Find a quote that speaks to you. Copy down that quote and write about why you like it.
Choose a memory that involves you favorite color/smell/sight and write it in detail.
Write a letter to someone you wish you could speak to.
Find a photograph that you love. Describe why.