I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read in a train. ~ Oscar Wilde
I’ve blogged before about the importance of writing by hand. There are specific activities that take place in the brain when you put a pen to paper rather than, say, a fingertip to a keyboard. But besides a grocery list, what could you write?
Last week I gave a presentation on the benefits of journaling and how to get started. (This photo shows the fancy spiral notebook journal that I had in high school.)
These are just some of the benefits of keeping a journal: self-understanding, clarity of thoughts, better problem solving, increased creativity, improved writing skills. But did you know that studies show that journaling also helps to reduce symptoms of stress?
In addition to the “soft benefits,” there are tangible health benefits. University of Texas (Austin) professor/researcher James Pennebaker says it strengthens immune cells, and other research shows that the act of writing can help decrease in asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, reduce blood pressure, and improve lung and liver function.
For me personally, keeping a daily journal helps me stay centered and grounded. It’s as essential in the morning as my cup of caffeine.
Do you keep a journal?
Please leave a reply and tell me about it.
