Emma McAdam from Therapy in a Nutshell joins The Savvy Psychologist to discuss the research-backed benefits of journaling for mental health. They explore different techniques of journaling, such as writing letters to bring clarity and closure. The podcast highlights how journaling can help manage stress, gain clarity, and improve overall well-being.
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Quick takeaways
Journaling improves mental health by reducing anxiety and depression and even improving physical health indicators like immune system function and blood pressure.
Writing down thoughts and emotions in a journal helps create clarity by slowing down the brain and making abstract or overwhelming thoughts concrete and actionable.
Deep dives
Journaling has proven mental health benefits
Journaling has been found to improve mental health by reducing anxiety and depression and even improving physical health indicators like immune system function and blood pressure.
Journaling helps create clarity and slow down
Writing down thoughts and emotions helps create a sense of clarity, as it forces the brain to slow down and process information. It makes abstract or overwhelming thoughts concrete and actionable.
Different journaling techniques for mental health
There are various approaches to journaling for mental health. These include brain dumping, where one can release intense emotions or overwhelming thoughts onto paper; using a locus of control activity to distinguish between what can be controlled, influenced, or is out of control; and writing letters to oneself or others to gain clarity and understanding about specific experiences or relationships.