Could it be that writing in a journal is equally as important as getting daily exercise? At least one study done by Dr. James Pennebaker at the University of Texas in Austin, Texas, has shown that
journaling can help relieve stress, thereby lowering blood pressure and increasing health
. This study showed a link between increased good health and using a journal as a means of self-expression, including examining and expressing very deep, troubling, and traumatic events. Journaling provides a safe space for introspective thought and venting, and can show the way to a less stressed mind and body.
Journaling is an intimate adventure with the self, as well as a good habit to cultivate. As with any good habit, such as exercising, it should be done regularly, especially at the beginning. Julia Cameron, of The Artist's Way, suggests writing three pages first thing every day, even before having that first cup of coffee, just as some people exercise first thing every day just so they are sure they get their exercise in. If that works, fine. Other people might find it better to journal in the evening so they can examine the day’s events. Others snag the commute time on the bus or train for their journaling. Again, as with exercising, it depends on what works.
This is not a chore. This is a chance to express oneself without censure or correction. It might help to think of it as a reward, the one safe place where anyone can truly express themselves freely. That is what journaling is all about. Don’t get along with the boss? Put it in the journal. Have a problem that needs figuring out? Work it out in the journal. It’s the next best thing to a therapist. If the sky looks purple, then say it. Anything you want to write you can put in that journal. No one else is meant to read it. It’s all yours. Your. Very. Own.
Forget about good handwriting, lines, spelling, punctuation, or grammar. Journaling is all about expression and breaking through to what is really going on inside. In fact, the sloppier, the better. Loosen up, don’t tense up muscles or write as if someone were going to read it later.
, in her book Writing Down the Bones, talks about relaxing into the writing; the act of writing is physical exercise (50). With hand on pen (or fingers on keyboard), the writer is physically engaged in pouring inner thoughts onto a visual medium – the blank page.
Now, with favorite writing tools (yes, that can be important), and favorite time of day, a cup of coffee or tea, all that’s left is to put down on the page whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t need to be meaningful, or make sense, or be well written. It just needs to be expressed.
Sometimes all that is needed is to start with a sentence like “I don’t know what to write today.” Words will flow once the pen is set in motion. If journaling in the morning, try remembering dreams from the night before. If journaling in the evening, write about the events of the day. Natalie Goldberg suggests keeping a list of topics to journal about (19). When ideas arise, write them down to use later. Next time an idea is needed pick a topic, exploring that idea more deeply.
Journaling can be a very important part of physical, emotional, and mental health. In journals you don’t have to worry about the approval or disapproval of peers, bosses, families, or friends. In journaling, you can be yourself.
