How Can Journaling Help With Mental Health?

“Journal writing gives us insights into who we are, who we were, and who we can become.”

What is Journaling?

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Journaling can be described as the practice of regularly keeping a record of your thoughts, dreams, gratitudes, experiences, observations, emotions, et cetera., in the form of a notebook, diary, or any digital media form such as notes.

Journaling is like a journey to discover your inner self, to talk about things and feelings that you could not let anyone else know. It is a path for self-reflection and personal growth.

Why Does Journaling matter?

Journaling is not a new concept. It dates back centuries and has been widely used for a wide range of benefits that may vary from person to person. Journal writing can heal your inner child, but still, in today’s generation, not many people prefer or even try to start doing it. They are missing something that can be so beneficial for them on their voyage towards personal growth and development.

According to Dr. Amy Hoyt, founder of Mending Trauma, “Journaling can be a great pressure-releasing valve when we feel overwhelmed or simply have a lot going on internally.”

Thus, it can help in reducing stress, dealing with inner traumas, and reducing anxiety to boost your health and personal well-being. It is like writing therapy that costs nothing.

A research study was conducted at the University of Chicago in 2011. It was found that students who regularly journal about their anxiety related to exams performed much better in their exams.

Another famous example of journaling is Anne Frank. She kept a diary in which she had written her fears, thoughts, experiences, and how she had lived through World War II.

Journaling As A Therapeutic Tool

The advantages of journaling are numerous. Writing a journal can make you mentally healthy and prosperous. Writing a journal is not rocket science. You just need a pen and paper or any digital form of journal as per your preference.

Vent out your feelings, anger, and even your negative thoughts in your dear journal. It would not judge you.

You can track down your daily activities and can find a pattern through journal writing. With this, you can make necessary and required changes that will help you to grow positively.

Additionally, you can plan your next day’s routine and even a week by using it. If you want to be the best version of yourself, then keeping a journal surely can be a much-needed stepping stone on your journey.

Final Words

A journal is always your best friend. Start with it and see yourself smiling internally. You can go with it beyond your thoughts and aspirations. Pour out everything in your journal that you are afraid to do in reality.

Let yourself be free with it. You can be anything and everything through journaling. If you want to draw, paste pictures, and be different with your journal, then do it unhesitantly.

Journaling boosts your self-confidence. It helps you to see how far you have come and how you overcame your previous seemingly ‘impossible’ obstacles.

Written By - Surbhi Gole