Journaling is a discipline that is hard for some people. It is hard for me! I love to write. I have journaled in the past, but I have not been faithful in the practice for many years. Recently, I have been hearing people recommend journaling for a variety of reasons. Why would they do that? What are some of the benefits of journaling? People experience physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual benefits from journaling once they know how to journal.
Personal Story
I received my first journal when I was in second grade. I loved writing my thoughts and feelings down in it. The best part for me was that the journal had a little lock and key. I was glad about that because I had five younger siblings that sometimes got into my stuff and I did not want them to read my private thoughts. Journaling was an important daily activity for me in those days.
Benefits of Journaling
The benefits of journal can bring physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Physical:
The benefits of journaling can help improve a person’s physical health:
- Immunity- Studies show that writing therapy can boost the immune system, so it can help fight off disease and illness.
Mental:
When dealing with overwhelming emotions, it can be helpful to write thoughts down. That can sometimes lead to a solution. The mental benefits of journaling help those struggling with:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
Regular journaling can help you see patterns in your life so you can make plans that help you deal with your stressors, situations, or relationship problems.
- Memory- Journaling can help a person’s brain size, increase understanding, and help with mental processing.
Emotional:
Journaling helps you identify the good and bad parts of your life. Writing down and processing experiences help a person by:
- Boosting mood- writing in a journal can give you emotional happiness and wellbeing that boosts your mood.
- Recognizing self-identity- writing helps a person know what they are thinking and recognize who they are as an individual.
- Providing confidence- knowing oneself gives a person perspective that helps them make decisions with confidence.
Spiritual:
Spiritual life is enhanced by journaling.
- Creates a record of spiritual growth
- Records the blessings God gives us
How to Journal
It is simple to journal.
- Get writing tools- Pen or pencil and paper is best because writing by hand stimulates the brain.
- Start writing- Write anything. Put down thoughts, dreams, stressful situations, happy times, etc.
- Write daily.
- Start with a word, phrase, or sentence. It will start the process and get rid of the white paper.
- Do not worry about spelling, punctuation, or grammar; just write freely.
You do not have to show your journal to anyone. This writing is for your own pleasure.
Action
Start journaling today to experience its benefits!
May God bless your healthful endeavors!
Joni
P.S. What experience do you have with journaling?
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