5 Benefits of Keeping a Journal
According to the Huffington Post, there are five ways journaling can help eliminate stress: It forces you to unplug and recharge, it makes you happier, reduces stress, helps filter out negative thoughts, and it helps empower you.
When you journal, it forces you to unplug and recharge. Whether you stare at the screen all day at work or accumulate a lot of screen time by connecting with all your friends on social media, there is nothing better to help quiet your thoughts than unwinding by writing in a journal. According to the Huffington Post, those who write in personal diaries or journals recover faster from personal tragedies and stressful events. It helps by calming your feelings and alleviating your innermost thoughts when expressing them on paper.
Recent studies have shown the number of people journaling has increased within the last few years. Because of the increase, more people are experiencing the benefits of journaling. One such benefit people that journal experience is an overall sense of happiness. We have all heard the saying, “Happiness is wanting what you have.” It is time to appreciate what you have rather than focusing on what you don’t have. This is similar to a gratitude journal. When you focus on your goals and look at what you have accomplished, it helps put value in your lives.
Another benefit of journaling is reducing stress. When you compile your thoughts and write them down on paper, it helps eliminate or at least work through the negative thoughts going on in your mind. Many people turn to journaling following times of emotional hardship, because dairies are commonly used as a form of release. According to Journal Psychological Science, writing thoughts down and physically throwing them in the garbage can be an effective way to clear your mind. The study concluded that most people that write down their thoughts were not as affected by their negative thoughts as those that did not journal.
Lastly, journaling can be very empowering. William James once said, “If you can change your mind, you can change your life.” Journaling helps you do just that. When you write about your positive and negative thoughts in life, it can help you gain perspective. Journaling is a clear reminder that no one, but you, are in charge of your own life’s story.
If you haven’t started journaling, we hope you consider it. It is worth a wellness credit through the TeamSoft Wellness plan, plus you’d be surprised by the impact is can bring to your daily life. To receive a wellness credit for journaling or if you have any questions, please contact Zac at znimke@teamsoftinc.com.
