Journaling: A Path to Improved Well-Being

In our very busy world, it’s easy to let distractions stop us from journaling, even if we have heard how helpful it can be. Whether using an app, computer, or notebook, the practice can bring powerful effects.

​You may find that making time to write your thoughts can be a great way to nurture your soul and help you plan your days, as well as to reach your goals. The practice can stimulate cognitive function, and creativity, and even has the potential to enhance your memory. 

Journaling can improve well-being for those of any age. It offers the time to reflect on experiences, reinforce memories, embrace your identity, and dream of the future. You may find it to be a therapeutic journey, providing clarity or perspective to events,  and providing new insights that lead to a better understanding of your relationships. 

If you desire to pass down your wisdom to future generations, your written words can describe what you know of your ancestors and highlight those things that are most important and treasured in your life. If you wish to share your writing now or in the future, it can help to connect your loved ones to you.  

More than 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition that often involves pain, stress, and anxiety that can limit their productivity, daily activities, independence, and overall well-being. If this applies to you, journaling might be an inexpensive and accessible way to minimize the negative effects caused by the condition. It has been found that expressive writing can help patients with many conditions, such as arthritis, lupus, asthma, fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and many cancers. You might find that just three 15-minute sessions per week for one month can produce positive outcomes, or possibly even sooner than that. 

Journaling can provide stress relief leading to reduced anxiety, improved productivity and closer relationships, and give insights that help you decide how to best spend your day. Because of that, you may find the time spent is an investment in your health, and that it seems to add time to your schedule due to the clarity, planning, and overall improved well-being that occurs from the activity. 
 
Don’t hold back due to uncertainty on how best to journal. There are no right or wrong ways. It can be unique to each person. Express yourself and see where your thoughts go, then follow them, creating your own best way to journal. You may find that it fosters personal growth, self-awareness, and self-acceptance. 
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There is no time to waste. Your health is important. Grab a notebook or download an app and get started. This road to self-discovery can provide you with reduced stress and greater peace, offers the opportunity to leave guidance for future generations, and can lead to a better understanding of yourself and others that can help to improve your well-being so that you can better enjoy the past, the present, and the future.​

Resource:
Smyth, J. M., Johnson, J. A., Auer, B. J., Lehman, E., Talamo, G., & Sciamanna, C. N. (2018). Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mental Health, Oct - Dec, 5(4). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/

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