Journal Your Way to Better Health
Most health remedies include a doctor’s visit and a prescription. However, you can also get amazing health benefits and remedies just by picking up a piece of paper and a pen. That’s right, studies have found that expressive writing, such as personal journaling, can impact the writer’s health greatly. Some of the health benefits listed were that journaling helped heal wounds faster, reduced stress and fatigue in cancer patients, as well as reduced the symptoms of those who had asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
Why is journaling so powerful? Journal therapy has so many health benefits because it allows the individual to stop and reflect on their inner voice. It helps us to learn about ourselves and to treat ourselves better. For example, through journaling, one can discover what is truly causing them stress or anxiety and work out those issues.
Now that you know the power of journaling, it is time to unleash the benefits and actually put pen to paper. The only problem is that many people will not know where to start or how to make it a regular habit. Here are a few tips.
Make It a Relaxing Ritual
You don’t need anything fancy to start, but why not ease into your writing time with a warm cup of tea or coffee, a comfortable blanket, while sitting in your favorite spot. Relax your mind and breathe deeply. Then just ease into writing and enjoy the time.
Don’t Think About What You Are Writing
There is no right way to write. There is no good spot to start. Just start and write whatever comes to mind. Remember, this isn’t going to be read or published, so don’t worry about making sense or having perfect grammar. Just let the words flow, even if it means you jump around from topic to topic. If you still can’t think of anything to write, try finishing one of these sentences – “I feel most important when I…” or “I would be happier if I could just…”.
Take Some Time to Reflect
After you have written down something, take the time to go back and re-read it. Reflect on the raw words you put on the page and give time to let your feelings sink into your mind. Just reflecting on your thoughts can clear up many areas of stress or anxiety.
If you are trying to develop healthier habits this year, then try adding journaling to the list too.