JOURNAL THERAPY

Journal therapy – also called writing therapy – is a form to explore and express one’s emotions, mood, and thoughts, and to gain more clarity about experiences in the past or in the current situation.

>> writing in a diary is more or less without structure and less directed
>> events and feelings can be written in both cases, but in journal therapy feelings and emotions usually are getting analyzed
>> journaling is often used around growth and milestones. These goals are set beforehand by the writer

>> to become more aware of one’s thoughts, emotions, and possible blind spots
>> to get more clarity and a deeper understanding of experiences and emotions
>> to take next steps for creating positive changes in one’s life

Studies have shown that writing improves the overall sense of well-being on the physical, emotional and spiritual level. It also strengthens the immune system, because when expressing feelings through writing, one is less likely to suppress the emotions, which is beneficial to the immune system.

More benefits of journaling:

>> writing helps to identify the cause of stress and anxiety and helps to reduce their levels
>> encourages positive thinking and boosts the mood
>> helps to regulate and release negative emotions
>> boosts working memory and sharpens comprehension
>> increases empathy towards others
>> helps to achieve goals
>> enhances personal empowerment

In short, you will gain a greater sense of understanding to your relationships and insight to your life.

By writing regularly a person will be able to get more in tune with his/her feelings and thoughts. As journal therapy can help to understand the course of the person’s feelings, it can feel like a relief.
Besides, when expressing feelings through writing, one is less likely to bottle up the emotions, which is in all cases beneficial to the immune system.

Writing activates the amygdala, the part of the brain in the prefrontal region, which is responsible for regulating and controlling human emotions. When we put our feelings into words, we reduce the response in the amygdala. People who feel strong emotions can calm down themselves by writing and gain more control over their emotions.

The right side of the brain enables a person to put emotions into words, and by writing, its memory capacity and empathy increase. On top of that, the left side of the brain is for goal setting and problem solving

Writing by hand stimulates and trains the brain in a way digital communication doesn’t.