The Health Benefits of Writing in a Journal

Journaling makes many people think about stacks of blank journals in a bookstore, or something that may have been assigned in a long forgotten English class. Most people, probably you included, may not think about journaling as something that can help your outlook and your health. If you have been told by friends, or even a therapist, that journaling may help with your current mood or health then consider the benefits.

Tension Release

One of the leading health benefits of journaling is the ability to find a release for your tension. Yes, you can talk to friends or family when you get upset, but they may not let you vent without repercussions. By journaling, you can get all of your thoughts out without interruption. You can also get to the root of the problem, because eventually you will hit on the real reason for the tension. By the time you are finished writing, your tension is reduced and you don't risk snapping at someone or hitting a wall with your tension that is hard to turn back from. 

Reduced Anxiety

Anxiety can grow from many outlets. For some people it is triggered by certain words or actions. Other people may find that anxiety is just a natural part of their day. Still, others may find that their anxiety happens in the form of panic attacks or in sudden bursts. By journaling, you can work through the anxiety without chemicals and you can follow a pattern that shows what is triggering the anxiety. 

Reduced Negativity

When you journal, you are venting your thoughts, but you are also forming patterns. These patterns will show where your negativity is. This means you will be able to see what people, places, or events are triggering negative reactions in your life. This means you can focus on those negatives in an effort to remove them. This may mean changing some events in your life, removing toxic people, or changing your outlook. Removing the negative will offer reduced stress, anxiety, and can even help reduce and reverse depression and suicidal thoughts. 

Increased Positivity

An increased view of positivity in your life has been shown to lead to less stress, less anxiety, reduced depression, and can even give you more energy and increased interest in socialization. All of these aspects can directly affect your overall health by putting you in positions to get more exercise and to lead a more active lifestyle, which can lead to weight loss and increased heart health. 

These benefits represent only a few of the overall benefits routine journaling can have on your health. You will discover, overtime, other benefits that are more specific to your needs. As you discover these benefits, you can expand on your journaling to become even more personal and beneficial. 
