You are currently viewing Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health

Benefits of Journaling for Mental Health

Is journaling really that good for you? It turns out there are many benefits of journaling for mental health. I’ve been journaling on and off for years and had no idea, so I learned a lot researching this blog post. 

Let’s get into it. 

*Note: This post contains affiliated links from which I will earn a small kickback. Thank you for your support!*

benefits of journaling for mental health

What are the Benefits of Journaling?

This a question with a multi-faceted answer, but I will try and simplify it into one list for you. The benefits of journaling can be boiled down into these points here:

1. Journaling is an Outlet for Feelings and Emotions

Journaling can be a release for all those pent up feelings and emotions you have. Keeping it bottled up inside is not good for you, so journaling can be a great outlet. 

2. Journaling assists Healing

According to Dr. Pennebaker, his studies show journaling can help ill people heal and also keep them from getting worse. Journaling can literally help strengthen your immune system.

3. Journaling can Help Reduce Stress and Anxiety

The act of writing puts structure and thought into your anxious feelings and emotions. It helps you process them more quickly than just keeping it pent up in your mind. 

benefits of journaling for mental health

Journaling to Calm Your Mind

So journaling itself is about reflective writing, processing feelings and labeling emotions. It’s about putting into words the jumble that goes on inside your head. 

Once you get those thoughts down a page, your mind is empty and your brain can relax without having to process all the thoughts you just wrote down. 

You in turn function better, sleep better and have a better mood without all the words weighing you down. 

Even the process of writing itself, putting a pen to paper and focusing on getting words onto a page can be immensely calming. 

How do I Journal?

Since you now know the benefits of journaling, you should try it yourself! All you need to start is a pen and paper or the notes app on your phone or an application on your computer. It doesn’t matter where. 

Just start writing whatever comes to mind. It could be what you were thinking about when you got up in the morning or something stressful during your day that you write down to get it out of your head. 

The writing will comes easier as it becomes a habit.

benefits of journaling for mental health

How often should I Journal?

You don’t have to journal every day. Forcing yourself to write might not be beneficial as it may turn into rumination according to Dr. Pennebaker.  

You can journal 2 to 3 times a week to get the benefits. 

Types of Journaling

If you are interested in further organizing your journaling process, you can get into bullet journaling. I’ve done it for a couple years as a way to reduce anxiety. Working on the journal spreads each month gave my mind something to focus on instead of anxious thoughts all the time. 

Bullet Journaling Posts:

Buy a Journal

If you want to develop a regular journaling practice, making a commitment by buying a journal can help you get started. There are so many journals out there right now, but my favorites are on PaperWrld. It’s one of my favorite stationery sites to order from and they have some really beautiful journals like these

Stationery Shops are the best places to buy journals, so check out my Best Shops for Stationery Addicts post!

You can also buy a journal off Amazon. There are a million to choose from, dotted journals to lined and blank. 

Pin This!

Sources

More Mind & Body Posts

Please Comment and Share!

As always, let me know what you think in the comments with a rating and review. I would love to hear your feedback and your comments help other people to see my blog so thank you! Tag me on social media too @withlovemelissashop.

You’ll love what’s in my shop, check that out too! I have a whole range of instant downloads and merchandise, all outdoorsy, cute or bookish!

You can buy me a coffee on Ko-Fi, subscribe, or commission me to send you a beautifully decorated postcard.

Look at other ways you can support me that are not monetary related here. Any support you can give means the world because it allows me to do what I love! 

Get Positive Affirmation Posters on my Etsy Printables Shop. Hang up in your office, on your fridge or anywhere you will see it every morning to remind yourself of these powerful positive statements every day. 

If you want the free positive affirmations printable scroll to the end of the post. 

Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional. If you want professional advice, seek out a trained health care professional.

Share This!

Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Tumblr
Reddit
Email

Never miss a post! Sign up for my newsletter and receive a free 14-page ebook:

Leave a Reply