For many people, journaling brings up memories of those diaries with the locks on them, that so many of us kept in our teenage years. But recent studies have shown that journaling – writing down your thoughts and feelings – can have a positive effect on your health.
A few health benefits of journaling include an improved immune system, a decrease in depression and anxiety, improved positivity, social engagement, and quality of relationships according to a recent article in Fast Company. (source)
Journal writing is a great stress reliever
One of the most well-known health benefits of journaling is as a way to relieve stress and tension. Many times you might be stressed about something that you can’t easily talk about with people in your support network. It’s not always possible to vent without there being consequences or words said in the heat of the moment that you just can’t take back.
Journaling lets you vent on the paper without interruption. You can get all our thoughts and anger out without censoring yourself. This helps you identify the root cause of your stress because what’s really bothering you will eventually become apparent as you write.
By the time you’re done writing, you will have released all the stress around the incident you’re writing about, and you’ll be able to get a decent night’s sleep.
Journal writing also helps to reduce anxiety
Anxiety can grow from many outlets. For some people it is triggered by certain words or actions. Other people may find that anxiety is just a natural part of their day. Still, others may find that their anxiety happens in the form of panic attacks or in sudden bursts.
Journaling allows you to work through your anxiety, and can show you patterns and triggers that cause anxiety attacks.
Journal writing helps get rid of negativity
When you write in a journal, not only are you venting your thoughts and clearing your mind, you are also creating a record of your thought patterns. These patterns can show you where in your life you are holding on to negative thoughts and energy.
For example, you will begin to notice what people, places, and events tend to trigger negative reactions for you. You can then begin to focus on making changes in order to either eliminate or deal with the negativity.
By removing negative energy and influences from your life, you can also reduce stress and anxiety. Journal writing can help with that by giving you a safe place to work through your thoughts.
Journal writing can lead to increased feelings of positive energy
As you work to reduce stress through journaling, you can’t help but notice that your level of positive energy increases. In the true nature of the circle, increased positivity leads to a decrease in stress and anxiety.
Increased positive energy has been shown to lead to less stress, less anxiety, reduced depression, and can even give you more energy and increased interest in socialization. All of these aspects can directly affect your overall health by putting you in positions to get more exercise and to lead a more active lifestyle, which can lead to weight loss and increased heart health.
These are just a few of the ways journal writing can help your health. As you continue to journal, you will discover other benefits that also work for you. Journaling is a truly personal experience, and your experience will be unlike any other person who writes down their thoughts. It’s up to you how you use the process to improve your health and well-being.
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