Putting Pen to Paper: 4 Health Benefits of Journaling

There is so much power held in hand when putting pen to paper. The greatest of inventions and designs once started with a pen and paper; the greatest speeches and plans were crafted with a pen. You might think that writing in journals is for teenage girls, but keeping a journal can actually have many benefits for everyone.

Benefits of Journaling

1. Writing helps you better understand your thoughts and feelings

Journaling allows you to step back from the struggles of the day and look at everything through a different perspective. Sometimes, writing something down can make you realize you were wrong, or you misunderstood the situation. Writing allows you to reflect and really dig down deep to work through emotions and feelings, it also helps you become more comfortable and familiar with yourself.

2. Reduces stress

Writing can be used as a way to vent your frustrations and angers. Getting everything out on paper will help you feel calmer and sort out the emotions. It can help lift that heavy weight off your shoulders.

3. Improved emotional intelligence

According to an article in the Huffington Post, "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." Writing allows you to organize your thoughts and emotions in a way that helps you think more logically and calmly.

4. Improve communication

The more you write, the more you improve your language skills and creativity. Sometimes it is not always easy to find the right thing to say, but writing can help you improve your verbal communication skills.

Start Journaling Today!

If you are interested in organizing your mind and improving your life, the first step is to get a journal and start writing. You can write about anything, it is not for anyone else but you to see. Making lists and goals is a great way to keep yourself from forgetting anything, and also a good way to keep your life on track.A good exercise to try for one of your first entries is to write about where you would like to see your life in five years. Include goals and plans on how to take the steps to get there. It's never too early or late to begin a journal, start yours today!