5 Simple Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health
Journaling is such a simple tool for understanding your entire self, understanding your behaviors, and recognizing patterns. It can release emotions and aid in creativity. Despite its simplicity, many find journaling for mental health to be difficult. The tricky part I’ve heard countless times and that I’ve said plenty is, “I don’t know what to write about.”
As someone who has tried journaling many many times and has felt unsure when thinking of what to write, I finally have discovered the benefits of journaling—and the best part is I’ve been journaling even when I didn’t realize it. Here are the best benefits I have found from journaling for mental health and introspection.
Journaling Isn’t as Hard as You Think
Knowing what to write is often the hardest part of journaling. But, that’s because we have this idea of what journaling is so we think it can’t look any other way. Journaling, though, doesn’t just have to be writing down your thoughts.
Journaling can be writing nearly anything: memories, a movie you watched and your thoughts on it, a quote you’ve connected with, dreams you had, and so much more.
I often find myself writing about whatever I find to be on my mind that day. Sometimes, it’s a song I listened to all day, successes I’ve had, or memories that I find important.
No matter what you write, you will find some sort of introspection from it later. I have found so much insight from re-reading small things I wrote that seemed meaningless at the time.
In fact, that’s exactly why I said I didn’t even realize I was journaling for years. I had been writing little notes on my phone about song lyrics, dreams, and quick thoughts I had, and I had never thought of it as journaling. But, it is. And, the more I reflect on my past thoughts, the more I begin to understand patterns I fall into, how my feelings impact my work, and how much I have overcome.
Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health
Mindfulness
The act of journaling is a form of mindfulness—of slowing down and focusing solely on the moment. When you write your thoughts, you allow your brain to process your emotions. I recommend checking out this article to learn more about the effects journaling has on the brain.
Practicing mindful activities is a powerful tool for reducing anxiety. And, with journaling bringing mindfulness and introspection, it can transform how you view yourself.
Improves Creativity
Creativity rises and falls many times in a day, and one of the best ways to boost it is to journal. Journaling allows you to view things from a different perspective, and I believe that aids in boosting your creativity.
I noticed myself working more on creative projects when I began journaling. It was like I could see the projects in a new light and suddenly the ideas started to flow.
Understanding Patterns
A benefit I found before I even “officially began” journaling was understanding how my emotions were affected by different events and situations. I started to see a pattern between certain events and my mood, and it inspired me to continue journaling.
The more I journal, and the more time that passes, the more patterns I find. You may notice that every time you hang around someone you find sadder journal entries. Or, you may notice every winter your mood drastically decreases.
These patterns may not be noticeable at first (although they may be, as in my case), but over time you will begin uncovering them.
Memory Keeping
My personal favorite benefit I get from journaling is memory keeping. There is nothing better than going through old journals and seeing yourself excited over the best events in your life. It brings so much joy.
And, it’s not just the good memories that are beneficial. Seeing how much you pushed through and overcame will show you how strong you can be. It can be sad, sometimes, to look through more depressing memories, but it is truly a great way to gain insight and improve mental health.
Safe Outlet
Having a space where you feel completely free to express your feelings is crucial for everybody. Everyone needs a space to be free to express themselves entirely, and journaling is perfect for that. When we speak to others we tend to subconsciously filter ourselves. Even when we believe ourselves to be open and honest, we may truly be holding back.
Journaling takes this subconscious filtering away and allows us to fully express our feelings and thoughts without judgment.
Tips for Journaling for Mental Health
Throw away everything you thought journaling should be (and open yourself to journal as you please)
Reread entries periodically
Set dedicated times to journal
Don’t set unrealistic goals (Like trying to journal every day. Some people can, but most people find it difficult. It’s not necessary to journal every single day to receive the benefits.)
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