Journaling for the Mind, Body, and Soul
Updated: Apr 3, 2021
Back in grade school, I kept a diary. In these papers, I wrote about struggles, fears, confessions without getting judged. As soon as I entered high school, life began to be busy. Looking back now, that diary kept my greatest fears and insecurities, somewhat shielding me from feeling those judgments from others. It’s quite weird to reread it, but I’m glad that I did. Even until now, I noticed that I communicated well on paper. I’m not an avid speaker, but I do believe that I’m somewhat of a decent writer.
Journaling of course does not need to be done in a diary, it can be a document on your computer, maybe in a binder paper, or maybe your ipad. There are many benefits of journaling such as being able to vent, control your emotions, improve your mental being, and decrease anxiety. It does not have to be always about thoughts, it can even be a planner or a sketchbook if you prefer. There are many times of journaling!
Specifically, if you are struggling with stress, depression, or anxiety, keeping a journal will benefit you. According to Journaling for Mental Health, “Journaling helps control your symptoms and improve mood by: helping you prioritize problems, fears, and concerns, tracking any symptoms day-today so that you can recognize triggers and learn ways to better control them, and providing an opportunity for positive self-talk and identifying negative thoughts and behaviors.” By having a journal, you can easily distinguish what is causing you anxiety and may help with solving the problem.
5 Powerful Health Benefits of Journaling
Reduce Stress (but we already know this).
Improves Immune Function: Writing about literally anything strengthens immunity and decreases risk of illness.
Keep Memory Sharp: As you write about your thoughts, embarrassing moments, -anything, really, you are improving your memory.
Boosts Mood: Journaling can help you identify what’s causing the anxiety, understanding yourself more. From Intermountain Healthcare, “it can improve your mood and give you a greater sense of overall emotional well-being and happiness.”
Strengthen Emotional Functions: In general, journalling can improve one’s mental and emotional health or if you want, physical health as well. When you are writing, you are allowing yourself to gain more confidence and self-identity. Maybe it may come from keeping track of your carbs, your exploring more artistic views, writing a novel, and many more!
There are no rules of journaling! Here are some example:
- Angela
