Journaling is not old-fashioned, nor a passe trend of your highschool years. It’s something you absolutely need to do today in this fast-paced technological age.
Journaling benefits you more than just having a record of your memories or providing an avenue for safe self-expression. Journaling is actually healthy for you.
Here are 5 reasons why putting thoughts to pen and paper does wonders for your health:
1. Reduces Stress
Chronic intense stress can damage your mental, physical, and emotional health. Stress has been dangerously linked to depression and is considered the silent killer in the workplace. Journaling is an effective stress management activity that may help reduce the overall impact of stressors on your health.
Studies show that journaling for at least fifteen to twenty minutes a day, three to five times over the course of four months significantly lowered blood pressure and improved liver function. Jotting down stressful experiences also help you manage them in a healthier manner. Try exercising your writing skills as part of a pre-bedtime meditation habit to help you de-stress and unwind.
2. Keeps Memory Sharp
Journaling helps keep your brain healthy and in tip-top shape. Not only does it help with comprehension and memory, journaling also boosts your memory capacity, resulting to improved overall cognitive process.
3. Improves Immune Function
Journaling can boost your immune system and decrease your risk for contracting illnesses. People who journal experienced improved immunity plus lesser asthmatic and rheumatic attacks. Journaling has also been found to help wounds heal faster.
4. Strengthens Emotional Functions
As you develop your journaling habit, the benefits also become long-term. Those who keep journals become more in tune with their health as they are more in touch with their inner needs and desires. Journaling evokes mindfulness and helps you stay in the present while also keeping perspective. It creates a safe space for emotional catharsis and helps your brain properly process and regulate emotions.
5. Boosts Mood
If you’ve been feeling down lately and could use a little sunshine, try journaling! It actually helps improve your mood and give a greater sense of emotional happiness and well-being.
Read the full article on Intermountain Health Care Org. here for more tips on starting a journaling habit for your overall health and well-being.
