EXPERIENCING THE BENEFITS OF JOURNALING

by ELISA WALLACE COPPEDE

WHEN IT COMES TO STORING MEMORIES, ONE OF THE EASIEST AND MOST FULFILLING WAYS IS TO WRITE THEM DOWN.

Through writing you can accomplish many things. From becoming more self-aware to helping set goals, journaling is an excellent method for all. Journaling is also a great process to help secure memories that will change as you encounter different seasons of life. From starting a new school, new job, or new relationship, journaling can secure these memories forever.

Journaling does not need to fit one mold. From keeping a daily written diary, to creating an online blog where you can type down inner thoughts to share with family and friends, journaling does not have to look uniform to reap the benefits. Interested in what these benefits of journaling are? Read on, for the top five reasons why you should accept the power that comes with expressing your feelings in writing.

According to the article, “The Power of Writing - The Journaling Technique,” by Roxana Christina Petrus, journaling can help slow down your mind’s process. “Your thoughts are moving extremely fast in your brains, and by deciding to write things down, you can actually choose what to focus on, what is more powerful or important right now.” Journaling can also help “organize your ideas and start to feel more in control,” the article states. By writing down your feelings, you can release them, and let go of the anxiety that comes with certain thoughts.

Consistent learning is key to good mental health. By reflecting on the positive and negative choices we have made in life, you can learn from the mistakes made, and hopefully, not repeat them in the future. Likewise, taking note of daily experiences builds selfawareness, which can lead to a sharp mind that pays attention to the big and intricate details of daily living. Journaling during trips can advance learning, since you are reflecting on the new experiences you have encountered. Anything from enjoying a new cuisine, language, or activity, through reflective writing, you can continue to learn and process an experience.

Everyone has an experience in their life they wish had gone better. Instead of harping on the “what could have been,” try writing down your anxieties. This simple task allows your mind to get off the hamster wheel of anxiety and release all concerns to the paper. It is surprising how liberated you will feel after this simple action—journaling can help take the burden off your shoulders and finally feel some type of relief.

By choosing to “look at the bright side of things,” you are choosing to not focus on past negative experiences. There are a variety of different writing activities that can help you learn how to write in a positive tone. From creating a gratitude journal, where every morning or evening, you write down one thing you are grateful for, to an ongoing list of potential goals, acknowledging your feelings and writing them down in a positive tone, can help you feel content with the life you lead.

BENEFIT #5: JOURNALING CAN HELP OUR INNER CHILD.

By taking the time to journal, you are required to think back to memories from the past—both the good and bad. Having an opportunity to write about experiences we have had as a child or young adult can be extremely therapeutic, especially if you have experienced any type of trauma. According to the Psychology Today article, “Journaling About Trauma and Stress Can Heal Your Body,” by Susan Biali Haas, M.D., recommends journaling patients, especially if they are feeling stuck or overwhelmed. “It’s a profoundly helpful window into the behindthe-scenes workings of my mind, heart, and life.” However, it is vital to note that you must be careful about how they write. “People who focus exclusively on venting negative emotions might experience worsening health,” the article notes. To experience the positive effects of journaling, you must try to find a positive meaning that came out of a negative experience. This by no means is easy, which is why writing can at times be extremely challenging. However, often the most difficult activities in life can be the most rewarding—including journaling.