Journaling: The Importance of Writing

The physical act of writing, itself, creates a neurological impact on the way we process emotion and thoughts surrounding difficult or traumatic experiences, as well as the wonderful moments we share in our daily lives.

Have you ever had a situation where you couldn't stop thinking? The same thoughts just kept running though your mind and you couldn't seem to come up with a solution, or even a new thought for that matter? The simple act of putting pen to paper gives your brain permission to focus on each thought individually, it gives that thought the time and attention it needs and then lets it go. When we take the time to slow down and think about what we wish to say, it creates new neural pathways in the brain that help process emotion.

Journaling can be as simple as taking 5 minutes a day to write down a few key things you wish to remember about your day, to listing everything that has occurred, your thoughts and feelings about each or setting goals for the next day, week or month ahead, as well as including a list of several things you are grateful for in your life.

One of the other benefits to journaling comes when we look back at our own musings and remember where we have come from. It can act as a reminder of how far you have come when you felt as though your life was standing still. It can be a gentle nudge, motivating you to take that next step, or a warm hug, telling you everything will work out in the end.

Whether you use journaling as a means to remember, for gratitude, goals and planning, or any of the other myriad of ways it can be utilised, it is one of the important ways we can take time for ourselves, and remember our importance and worth. It is a simple way to add to your self care routine, and take time for the most important person in your world. You.