Can Mindful Journaling Really Help Relieve Stress & Anxiety?
It sounds too simple, doesn't it? But some studies suggest that writing about your anxiety can help reduce its intensity and frequency. In one study, the people who wrote about their anxious experiences for 20 minutes per day for three days had less anxiety and fewer physical symptoms than those who didn't write about it. There are other studies have found similar results. In one, people with anxiety who wrote about their experiences for 15 minutes per day for three days had less anxiety and better sleep quality than those who didn't write about it. So, what is going on here? Why does writing seem to help reduce anxiety? Make Sense of Your Experiences I have been journaling for decades. (Yes, I'm old. I'm okay with this.) I have always found it helpful, but now I have been applying Mindfulness to my journaling, and it's taken me to a much higher level. One theory is that writing about your anxiety helps you to process and make sense of your experiences. By putting your thoughts and feelings into words, you may be able to understand them better, which makes it easier to cope with them. Being mindful about journaling also helps keep you focused, giving direction for your journaling. Become More Self-Aware Mindfulness is, fundamentally, about becoming more self-aware. Writing about your stress and anxiety might assist you in becoming more Mindful. You may be able to manage and control your worries by becoming more conscious of them. If you don't have a specific reason for being stressed or anxious, writing out your thoughts can help bring clarity. Release Frustrations There are also some practical reasons why writing may help reduce anxiety. For example, it can be a way to vent your frustrations without worrying about being judged or misunderstood. (I am a HUGE fan of writing out your thoughts. No censoring, no holding back. It can be quite therapeutic.) It can also be a way to track your progress and see how far you've come in managing your anxiety. I've often looked back on old journal entries and was amazed at how different "that person" was. It's quite amazing, really. There is a lot of research and information regarding writing to relieve anxiety. However, you need to know that it works for many and can also work for you. If you want to be successful in lowering your stress and anxiety levels with journaling, follow these tips:
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Lady ShayLady Shay is a Mindfulness Coach and Publisher of Purrfectly Pagan Magazine. ArchivesCategories |