I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: There’s just something very healing about taking your thoughts from head to heart to hand and then out on the paper.
There have actually been studies conducted about journaling, the physical and emotional effects, and the ‘best’ way to do it. While some of the info is conflicting it is generally accepted that journaling helps to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by bringing your thoughts and emotions to the surface and helping you articulate them through the written word. It also can boost your memory, allow you to sleep better, improve your immune system, and can even help your body physically heal faster. As someone who’s been around the block a few times {like me} knows all of these things really suffer greatly when you’re grieving.
Dr. James W. Pennebacker {who literally wrote the book on journaling} says that the most meaningful and measurable journaling is around traumatic or disturbing experiences. His landmark study in 1988 found that just 6 weeks after digging into their traumatic events {for just 15-30 minutes of writing for four days} his participants experienced more positive moods and fewer illnesses than those who wrote about superficial topics.
Yes, bringing up the recent, heartbreaking past will hurt all over again and will not be easy. {DUH!} However, doing so allows you to process your thoughts and feelings and lead to long-term positive results.
So, how do you get started with your journaling if you’re not a writer? Start simple. Make a list, doodle, use guided journalling, just get that pen on the paper. While we all {now} know that writing deep, introspective thoughts are the best for your healing you need to start where you are – and build using baby steps to make those big gains.
Want a little inspiration and motivation to journal? Check out the Free Sharing Solace Mini Gratitude Journal + Mood Tracker. It’s a great way to get started if a blank sheet of paper is a little too daunting…
