Journaling Benefits Your Health!

Have you ever had anyone tell you that keeping a journal benefits you in difficult times? Research shows improved physical and emotional changes from expressive writing. There continues to be growing evidence that writing about stressful events or traumatic experiences has long term beneficial effects on your physical and emotional health.

Here's a short list of important advantages researchers have discovered.

• Fewer stress related visits to your doctor
• Improved immune system
• Reduced blood pressure
• Improved mood
• Greater psychological well-being

  Frankly, I was surprised how much writing benefited the physical body. I have been aware how journaling has helped me find new perspectives on problems and improved my mood by getting negative emotions out on paper. However, it makes perfect sense when you think about the mind-body connection and how feelings and thoughts impact the human body.

  James W. Pennebaker, PhD. is one of the leading writers and researchers in this field of guided journaling. In his book, Writing to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma and Emotional Upheaval states, "As the number of studies increased, it became clear that writing was a far more powerful tool for healing than anyone had ever imagined." Indeed, some studies have shown improved lung function for those with chronic asthma and reduced severity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Those are pretty impressive results for writing 20 minutes a day for a very short time period!

  Here is a brief personal list of how journal writing has benefited me in one month:

  • Discovering what thoughts or beliefs are creating my anxious emotions
  
  
  • Writing the first draft of my Katrina poem for class.
  
  
  • Recording my dreams to share with my dream group.
  
  
  • Acknowledging who and what I'm grateful for this very day.
  
  
  • Remembering my mother in words on this 9th anniversary of her passing.
  
  
  • Making a list of what needs to be done before I head to the mountains for a few days of play.

    Many people say they don't have the time. I think 20 minutes of writing a few days a week will bring you rich dividends in your health, your productivity and your relationships.

    What inspires you today to open up your journal and write? Let's get started!