Journaling for Calm

Introduction

Writing in a diary or journaling has long been a tradition to help outwardly express thoughts and emotions, which can also help reduce stress and anxiety. 

When individuals write in detail about their thoughts and feelings related to stressful events, confusion, worry, fears, or anxiety, it can have similar benefits to talking about them in a counseling session. Research* suggests that journaling can help us accept rather than judge our mental experiences, resulting in reduced stress.

The trick is to become aware of our thoughts and feelings, and to engage with them in an objective, compassionate way. Expressing them through writing (or art!) and looking at them is a very direct way to do that. 

Keeping a record of personal thoughts and feelings is particularly helpful in supporting mental health by (WebMD.com, 2021):

• Reducing anxiety

• Breaking a cycle of worrying

• Improving our understanding of our reactions to events

• Regulating strong emotions like anxiety, anger, or fear

• Encouraging awareness of actions that can help

• Reframing thoughts in a more helpful direction

• Boosting physical health

Browse this google site for ways you can begin journaling to bring more calm into your life.