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Mind, Sense & Soul: WRITE
We should not underestimate the powers of creative writing and journalling to heal mental, emotional and even physical wounds. Daily journaling with real paper and pen has been talked about a lot recently as studies have shown the incredibly positive impact it can have on our health. Why?
Writing honestly from the heart about your feelings regularly, especially stressful events - literally helps get things out of your system, helps you come to terms with things and is instantly calming, dropping cortisol levels.
Journalling lowers cortisol levels, allowing you to heal quicker if you are hurt or sick, studies say, by more than 4 times faster than usual.
Writing about your day helps organise your thoughts so it's easier to find solutions where needed.
If you have a tendency to feel overwhelmed, journalling helps you feel you have more control over your life.
If you reflect on your day, you’re also more likely to see patterns and learn lessons about what works for you and what doesn’t, so you can stop making the same mistakes.
Writing every day helps with clearer thinking and learning how to better express yourself, which will soon start improving your communication with others.
What to journal
It’s normal to have no idea where to start with the blank page at first, so here are some suggestions:
What happened today that was stressful? Write as if no one is going to read it. Swear! Do the lot. Get it out. Add your single next step towards dealing with the issue if it helps.
List 3 good things that happened today. Which small or big things were you grateful for? You’ll very soon start noticing more little happy things in the day, which in turn will help you feel more content.
Include your to-do list and list of open loops to tackle the next day. This stops them going round in your head and will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Convinced? Go and find yourself a lovely notebook and a posh pen. Make it sacred. Do it every day and let us know what you think.
There’s so much more to read around this subject. Check out some of these great teachers:
Article
83 Benefits of journaling for depression, anxiety & stress - by Courtney E. Ackerman
18 Amazing benefits of journaling - by Dee at Vanilla Papers
Podcasts
Get started with journalling - The Pat Divilly podcast.
Open your mind and change your life with Dr Tara Stuart and Dr Rangan Chatterjee
How to be more you with Dr Rangan Chatterjee and Matthew McConaughey
Some lovely personalised notebooks (#NotAnAd)
This video series was made in partnership with Mcguigan ZERO, the premium, alcohol-free,
Australian wine range.
