Why Journal? If you are on the fence about journaling, I can relate. I’m a “Doubting Thomas” sort of guy. So, like me you may be going through the “Why is this so magical?” and “Isn’t there something faster – better – stronger?” and “I doubt this will help I’m too busy to do this”. You might be in the “I’ve tried to journal, but it never really takes off for me” camp. Or another category of person is “Journaling? Like with watercolors and stickers? No thanks!”. Or the physically unable category of doubters think “Writing makes my hand hurt! Why would anyone do that?” and “You have a keyboard and mouse that is much more efficient!”
If you are like me then journaling is perfect for you! All kidding aside out of 100 or more benefits to journaling I feel like there are two big benefits that you can’t pass up.
1. Mood & Mental Toughness
Writing with a pen and journal will improve mental health. Articles such as this one from University of Rochester Medical Center back that up. The perfect time have a journal near you is when some bad news captures your attention. Journaling can help you manage stress/anxiety/depression by giving you a moment to get some perspective. It forces you to slow down and process your thoughts on information.
Answer questions like:
- who does this affect?
- how can I help?
- is this in my control?
This will improve your mental toughness quickly! It’s wonderful to look back and review what you originally thought. And, how that changed by the end of your writing session. Proof is in the pudding! Give it a try! I’m always surprised by this.
2. Memory capacity and comprehension
Another awesome benefit is a physical one. Your brain becomes faster – stronger – better! Do I need to say more? This one makes me want to start journaling right now! Research can be found at NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information). Who doesn’t want this? To be able to do more things at once. If you were able to comprehend more and faster, then wouldn’t you feel like everything in your life would be easier?
The kind of writing mentioned in the NCBI article that got the most bang for the buck (so to speak). Are prompts like these:
- What negative experiences have happened today (or this week)?
- How do I feel about these experiences?
- Why did these negative experiences happen?
- How did I handle them at the time?
- How could I have handled them in a different way?
Apparently writing about negative experiences in a journal will free up working memory. Getting the feelings down on paper will reduce the chances that these feelings will intrude on your more productive thinking. Literally “free your mind” and everything else will follow. It’s amazing isn’t it?
This is exciting stuff for sure. Would you test it out and let me know your experiences?
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