If you’re looking to improve your mental health, you might not have considered personal writing as a strategy. You may have kept a diary as a kid but found it harder to maintain the habit as an adult. However, personal writing can be beneficial at any age. Here are five ways you can practice personal writing and see it improve your mental well-being.
When starting a journal, it’s better to choose a new notebook and pen rather than typing on your laptop. You might be out of practice, but writing by hand is effective. By writing manually, your brain is more engaged with what you’re documenting, and you’re inclined to take things slower, which helps in internalizing thoughts, feelings, and experiences. If you want to dive deeper into your thoughts or experiences and remember them better, handwriting is the way to go.
Feeling stuck in a situation? Writing about it from an outsider’s perspective can help. Approach it like you’re a neutral observer. There have been studies where married couples wrote about their arguments as if they were uninvolved. This helped them gain clarity and improve their overall happiness in their relationships.
When dealing with complex emotions, it can be hard to sort them out. Writing them down and sharing with others can provide clarity. In online writing groups, sharing your work can give you an outside viewpoint and help you figure out what to do next. Writing for an audience can be therapeutic too. When you do this, ensure your writing is clear to get good feedback.
Most people think of writing as a way to vent when they’re upset, which can be a quick fix to feeling better. But, there are long-term benefits as well. Regular writing can lead to a better mood, fewer depressive episodes, and reduced stress levels. There are even physical benefits like lower blood pressure and improved liver function. With so many benefits, writing regularly is a popular choice for many people. If you want to start, you can find inspiration online.
Most of us don’t spend enough time reflecting on what we’re thankful for. Consider maintaining a gratitude journal where you write down things you’re grateful for every day. This practice can increase your happiness and help you recognize the good things in life. People with gratitude journals often exercise more, possibly because feeling positive makes you more motivated. They also enjoy better sleep. If you struggle to fall asleep, try noting a few things you’re grateful for each day before bed.
These are just a few reasons why personal writing could enhance your mental health. Everyone can use a little boost now and then, so why not give it a try and see the difference yourself?
