Benefits of journaling

The glide of a pen on paper, the click of the keyboard, the release of thoughts. Journaling. A practice looked past. 

Journaling–a written record of one’s thoughts has many beneficial effects that are not talked about enough. One does not need to be the best writer or have to be going through a tough time to journal–you can simply just write to release your inner feelings on a day-to-day basis. 

It can help get rid of and manage negative thoughts that everyone deals with. Sabrina Romanoff, a clinical psychologist, says that writing down how you feel by journaling “creates space and distance to consider [it] in a more objective way.” Coping with negative thoughts is important because they contribute to all aspects of life.

Journaling can also boost communication and writing skills. Writing down ideas and thoughts on a regular basis allows one to practice their voice through their writing and ultimately affects its quality. It ties into one’s memory because being consistent in writing will keep the memory sharp, allowing the brain to process information and help you remember things.

The mental health and cognitive benefits are positive gains to journaling that many might not be aware of. But one that can be unexpected is creativity to come from it. Generally, there are no expectations when writing so it allows for the flow of ideas and information. If you are someone that loves to create art in any form, journaling could be extremely beneficial.

Everyone from children to the elderly can benefit from journaling–there is no age limit to writing. Something great and unexpected may come from choosing to journal. Simply just grab a piece of paper or open a laptop and start writing–you may never know what may result from it.