Journaling is the practice of writing down thoughts, feelings, and experiences daily or on a regular basis. It allows you to put words to things that are not explainable, describe dreams and process incidents or things that have happened. The process of journaling allows you to review what you have written at a later point in time to review and gain an accurate perspective of the situation. For example, there are times when you may have journaled about a incident where you felt betrayed that your initial perspective is flawed because of the emotions of the moment. However, reviewing at a later time may give an accurate perspective, determine the cause of and alleviate some of the stress surrounding the incident. Journaling allows you to imagine, dream, plan and create what you see.
There have been a number of documented benefits associated with journaling. For instance, journaling allows you to have better control of your emotions when dealing with stress, and anxiety. It also helps you to see patterns of behaviors and triggers that can influence mood and actions. Medical resesarch has found that stress has a direct negative impact on an individual’s physical health. Journaling about emotions and stressful events has been found to decrease the impact of the stressor and increase the immune system in several diseases. Journaling also provides documentation of personal growth, a record of wins and further opportunities for positive changes.
Note:
Journaling is not a substitute for mental health therapy but can certainly be used with formal therapy.
.png)
