When it comes to keeping a journal, it has been stereotyped as an old-fashioned habit mainly for the nerds or the introverts. However, science and researches continue to dispel such skepticism, and it has been proven that journaling does more than just helping you record memories or find self-expression in.
It is good for your health and something that you will find incredible benefits. Find out more about the benefits of journaling and hopefully, can convince you to start writing.
Benefits of Journaling
Reduces stress: Journaling is a incredible stress management tool, a good habit that lessens impact of physical stressors on your health. In fact, a study showed that expressive writing (like journaling) for only 15 to 20 minutes a day three to five times over the course of a four-month period was enough to lower blood pressure and improve liver functionality. In addition, writing about stressful experiences can help you manage them in a healthy way. Try establishing journaling as a pre-bedtime meditation habit to help you unwind and de-stress.
Stretches your IQ and keeps your mind sharp: Journaling helps keep your brain in tip-top shape. Not only does it boost memory and comprehension, it also increases working memory capacity, which may reflect improved cognitive processing.
Evoke mindfulness: There's a strong connection between happiness and mindfulness. Journaling brings you into that state of mindfulness; past frustrations and future anxieties lose their edge in the present moment. It calls a wandering mind to attention, from passivity to actively engaging with your thoughts. As journaling habits are developed, benefits become long-term, meaning that diarists become more in tune with their health by connecting with inner needs and desires. Journaling evokes mindfulness and helps writers remain present while keeping perspective. It presents an opportunity for emotional catharsis and helps the brain regulate emotions. It provides a greater sense of confidence and self-identity. Journaling can help in the management of personal adversity and change, and emphasize important patterns and growth in life. Research even shows that expressive writing can help individuals develop more structured, adaptive, and integrated schemes about themselves, others, and the world. What’s more, journaling unlocks and engages right-brained creativity, which gives you access to your full brainpower. Truly, journaling fosters growth.
Achieves goals: Journaling often includes your dreams and ambitions, yet the idea that scribbled words can help achieve goals is understandably fanciful. But consider building a house without a blueprint. That makes more sense. Writing goals signals to your brain "this is important." Your reticular activating system (RAS) then flags relevant opportunities and tools to achieve that goal. More detailed goals provide a psychological blueprint, and increases the likelihood of achieving them.
Improves communication skills and strengthens Emotional Intelligence: "Writing has critical connections to speaking" according to a Stanford report. Journaling is a form of written communication, albeit to oneself. Nonetheless, the sub-vocalization of tracing your written thoughts naturally translates in actual vocalization. Emotional Intelligence is the ability to perceive and manage your emotions, and that of others. Journaling is an outlet for processing emotions and increases self-awareness. This internal familiarity becomes a bridge of empathy, you'll better intuit and understand what others are experiencing. Being able to get on the same page with someone is a mark of emotional intelligence, and allows for a much deeper connection.
Tags: #EQ, #Journal, #mindful, #goalachiever, #brainbooster, #memory
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