Mental Health Benefits of Journaling
- Category: Behavioral Health
- Posted On:
Writing to Support Your Emotional Health & Wellness
Did you keep a diary in your younger years to hold your secrets? Continuing this practice into adulthood can prove to be a cathartic activity. In light of Mental Health Awareness Month, the health experts at Southwest General share the ways that writing down your thoughts and feelings can help to support your mental and emotional health.
How Writing Supports Your Emotional Health
Whether you call it a journal or diary, a notebook where you record your daily thoughts and feelings is meant to be a place where you can express yourself without fear of judgement or repercussions. This process not only allows you to express yourself freely but also helps you to become better at managing your emotions.
According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, keeping a journal can have positive mental health benefits by helping you to:
- Reduce stress levels
- Manage anxiety levels
- Improve verbal communication skills
- Improve critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Prioritize better
- Track day-to-day symptoms
- Identify triggers for distressing emotions
Tips to Help You Get Started on Your Journal
If you’re thinking about giving journaling a try, here are some tips that can help you to get started:
- Buy a notebook or journal that you like
- Keep a pen nearby
- Dedicate this journal to writing about your thoughts and feelings
- Try to write in it everyday
- Write down your thoughts and feelings without censoring yourself.
Remember that your journal is yours. You are allowed to write, draw and create inside of it in whatever way you see fit. Give journaling a chance to learn more about yourself and to have a place to find comfort when you’re feeling overwhelmed.
