Journal Writing

Posted by: Litiana Field

Have you ever kept a diary? Journal writing has many proven therapeutic benefits and this post further explores this successful coping strategy.

Journal Writing is “a coping technique, expression of thoughts, feelings, memories, and ideas in written form, either prose or poetry, to increase self awareness” (Seaward, 2018).

People have always found waiting in a journal therapeutic because it allows one to open up about their feelings, opinions, memories and perceptions. This activity is a coping strategy which provides individuals with a cathartic release as well as assisting with stressful situations like grieving. Some proven benefits of journal writing include a decrease in elevated blood pressure, cholesterol and stress levels.

Background

The word journal comes from the french word journee which means from sunrise to sunset. Journal writing has been prevalent over the past few centuries, with many famous explorers and presidents also partaking in the activity. . It has become a mechanism for self-expression and soul searching. This is important as many believe that soul searching is the epitome of the emptying process within the body and mind. Psychologists and other health professionals have advocated journal writing for many decades. Due to the physiological and psychological benefits this strategy is used in many settings such as schools, hospitals and prisons.

Proper use of the strategy or technique.

Steps to initiate journal writing

• Identify your problems and concerns

• Ask yourself about the emotions associated with this concern

• Allow this to help create a plan or a solution to your problem

Essential elements of journal writing

• A notebook dedicated to journaling:

• Pen or pencil

• Quiet environment: this is an important step

More Tips and Resources

Tips for journal writing

• Customize your journal or diary

• Date every entry

• Write quickly and uncensored

• Write the truth

Some famous journal entry examples

• The Diary of a Young Girl: Ann Frank

• The Diary of Samuel Pepys

• Zlata’s Diary

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References

Goodreads. (n.d.). Non-Fiction Diaries (116 books). Retrieved November 10, 2020, from https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4642.Non_Fiction_Diaries

Seaward, B. L. (2018). Managing stress: Principles and strategies for health and welt-being. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.