The Benefits of Journaling
An Overview:
- General: Benefits of Journaling
- #1: The Mental Health Benefits of Journaling
- #2: What Journaling does to the Brain
- #3: The Personal Benefits of Journaling
- In Short: Why you should Journal
The right approach to journaling is integral for each and everyone of us to find our path – to give us insight about ourselves. What we think , what we enjoy , what we truly want. As a medium , the benefits of journaling are broad and can help anyone , ranging from those who:
- Create a better feel of control in your life
- Identify your changing beliefs , values and thought patterns
- Find out who you were and who you want to become
- live by your strengths and be aware of your shortcoming
- Career Guidance and personal growth goals
- Better Mental and Spiritual health
We hope to illuminate creative journaling ideas and set an example of how to write a reflective journal. Through familiar methods:
- Creative Journaling
- Reflective Diary and Journaling entry’s
- Bullet Journaling
The video that inspired me to Journal
And if you don’t believe me or Clark in taking a few steps back , believe them:
“Success leaves clues” – Tony Robbins
“If You Haven’t Found it Yet, Keep Looking” – Steve Jobs
“A human mind is a wandering mind and a wandering mind is a unhappy mind” – Daniel Z. Lieberman, M.D. clinical professor
Going Deeper on Why you should Journal
First , we must be clear , What is Journaling?
#1. Mental Health Benefits of Journaling
Mental Benefits
Is there Mental Health benefits from journaling? The research surrounding this topic is vast so here is just a whisper out of this loud area of study.
- The Journal of Clinical Psychology (2017)
- Journal of Personality and Social Psychology (1997)
- Journal of Health Psychology” (2008)
- Increased resilience: A study published in the “Journal of Loss and Trauma” (2012)
A. Strengthened Resilience: By processing emotions and reflecting on experiences, individuals can build resilience, helping them better cope with life’s challenges. Heavily reducing many symptoms of depression such as PTSD , OCD and general anxiety.
B. Safe Outlet for Emotions: Journaling provides a safe outlet for individuals to express their emotions, helping them process and release feelings. As a result the 2017 study found it improved emotional regulation.
C. Improvement of Self-Awareness: Highlighted in the 1997 study , it is through self-reflection and exploration that increases this. Naturally enhancing your ability to observe yourself , your actions and beliefs.
#2. What Does Journaling do to the Brain?
Cognitive Benefits
The mental health benefits of journaling have several effects on the brain, including:
Activation of the Default Mode Network (DMN): As shown in a study published in “Frontiers in Human Neuroscience” (2017), journaling activates the Default Mode Network, which is responsible for self-referential thinking, empathy, and introspection.
Increased cognitive control: Another study, published in the “Journal of Experimental Psychology: General” (2017), found that daily journaling can improve cognitive control and lead to better goal attainment.
Improved executive function: Additionally, a study published in the “Journal of Clinical Psychology” (2017) discovered that daily journaling can enhance abilities such as attention, working memory, and decision-making.
Better stress management : Lastly, a study published in “Frontiers in Psychology” (2015) found that journaling can decrease activity in the amygdala, which is linked to stress and anxiety.
#3. The Benefits of Journaling Everyday
Personal Benefits
So , according to studies , what happens when you journal everyday? To get straight to the point , there are 2 primary benefits:
Enhanced memory recall: A study published in “PLoS ONE” (2012) found that daily journaling increased grey matter volume in the brain, which is linked to improved memory and decision-making. This can be crucial in helping individuals recall events and experiences more effectively.
Deeper understanding of oneself: As you journal regularly, it becomes a reflection of yourself and who you once were. This simple act of reflection can enhance your understanding of not just yourself but also others.
In short – Why you should Journal
To sum, the benefits of journaling include:
- reduced stress and anxiety,
- improved self-awareness,
- enhanced mood and well-being,
- and a safe outlet for emotions.
Conclusively, we strongly recommend trying journaling for better mental health and overall well-being. Whether it’s for 5 minutes or an hour, regular journaling can bring about numerous benefits and help individuals understand themselves and better their life experience.
