fbpx

Writing for Better Mental Health


by Bea Potter

All products and services featured on this site are independently selected by our authors and editors. If you buy something through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

So many people look for ways to boost their mental health, often wanting a quick fix or some positive affirmations to help them get through the day, but much of what is taken in are words written by somebody else. Granted these do often have the desired effect, hitting the mark and making them see situations in new ways – but what about if they wrote something for themselves?

Having the chance to write your thoughts and feelings down is a form of self-expression and can be a positive way to help you find clarity and make sense of some of what’s clouding your mind. It’s an exercise that is recommended by many therapists for this reason and to also help express gratitude, release anxiety, and set future goals.

Giving yourself time to write, in very non-scientific terms, means that whilst the analytical side of your brain is engrossed in the act of getting the words down, the creative side of your brain is more able to freely express itself, often allowing you to articulate how you feel in a way that can actually benefit you.

Studies have shown that regular journaling has been found to be a mood booster, improve your working memory, increase your sense of well-being, and can also minimise anxiety before an important event. Writing therapy is a widely studied area of mental health, and a tried and tested method of helping those who suffer from a variety of issues such as depression and anxiety, stress, and PTSD.

“Through documenting and managing symptoms of mental health problems and (safely) confronting feelings that may get buried as they are too difficult to deal with, writing as therapy has been shown to have many benefits,” explains Sarah Hilton, a health writer at Assignment Help and Revieweal. A reduction in the number of intrusive thoughts in depressives, a release for pent-up emotions, to calm the mind and even strengthen the immune system are all some of the positives to this activity.

How do you make sure your journaling is going to be of benefit? Simply dumping thoughts on paper can have a short-term boost, but for longer-term results, a more constructive approach is required. There are many things to consider from the environment you are in, to the time you allow yourself for this, to what you write about. Consider these tips for when you are ready to get started with journaling:

  1. Choose a space where you aren’t going to be disturbed – even when no one else knows what you are writing about it can feel like you are opening yourself up to the world. Make sure you feel comfortable.
  2. Keep your journal private. There may well be things in it that even you have only just had the courage to write about – don’t feel like you have to share it with anyone else.
  3. Try and write at least once a day. Studies show that people who wrote for 15-20 minutes per day (and were able to express a range of their emotions) had better physical and mental health.
  4. Don’t put pressure on yourself to write about something specific unless it feels right. “Maybe you had a negative encounter with a work colleague that you want to get off your chest – fine, but sometimes writing about traumatic experiences will be easier to manage if you let the words come only when you are ready,” says Tim Larson, a writer at Simple Grad and Essay Services.
  5. Take a moment to breathe before you begin – and after you write. This will help you reflect on your thoughts and may help you find some structure to the rest of your session.
  6. If you are struggling use key statements such as “I feel”, “I think” or “I want” to help clarify where you are going.
  7. When you feel that you have finished for the session try and sum up any new emotions that have come to the fore. Try helpful sentence starters such as “After writing this I notice” or “I am now aware” just to help you get more out of your writing.

The process of journaling may bring up distressing emotions, so do make sure you have support in case this happens and seek professional help if you are struggling – but the positive benefits it can bring in giving you time to focus, reflect, understand and manage your mental health are worth it.

About the Author 

Bea Potter

Beatrix Potter is a writer at Custom Paper Writing Service and Bigassignemnts websites. She writes about mental health. She also is a manager at Best Essay Services website.

{"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}

Stress relief is very important, especially if you are living a hectic life. Let’s discuss some great relaxation techniques to relieve stress.

Read More
Best Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief

“How's your week been?” I've been struggling on how to answer that question this week. Do I go with the standard with

Read More
Knew the rainy days were coming, this week was full of them… What are you focused on?

I walked for 90 minutes in 23 degree weather today. Wind chill factors reached 5 degrees. I found myself walking solo beside

Read More
Grow Your Mental Muscle Slow and Steady

Shame absolutely crippled me during the major portion of my life. Even after I experienced some blogging success I still felt ashamed

Read More
How Is Your Relationship with Shame?

Bloggers often ask me how to be persistent. Some cannot seem to find the time to blog. Others quit, return to blogging,

Read More
Passion Plus Detachment Breeds Persistence

It's that time of year again when most of us start thinking about making New Year's resolutions.  Let me ask you, did

Read More
Making New Year’s Resolutions for the New Year THAT STICK!

Resisting what is leads to enslavement, captivity and the shackles of fear, pain, grief and suffering. Accepting what is leads to freedom,

Read More
Accept What Is to Grow into Greater Freedom

Nobody outworks their level of deserving. Observe people who strain and strive for decades. Does hard work prosper them? No. Even smart

Read More
Do Deserving Issues Hold You Back?

Pay close attention to the top news headlines today. Do you trust the headlines? Why? Does the love of life, blissful union

Read More
Beware if You Trust Advice Based on Your Fears

Never believe everything that flows down the pike to you. But at least be open-minded. Highly skeptical people tend to live somewhat

Read More
Why Being Highly Skeptical Tends to Ruin Your Life

The intent, feeling or energy behind advice 100% dictates the reason why some person, entity or governmental body offers specific advice. Beings

Read More
1 Easy Way to Vet Advice

3:30 AM now. Insomnia has hit me. I have yet to fall asleep. Do I fret? Do I worry? Do I deeply

Read More
Why Do People Hit Rock Bottom?

SUBSCRIBE

Get new articles and course discounts from leading providers every Friday in your inbox with your free subscription!

>