by Carolyn Teasley

Created on: July 15, 2008   Last Updated: March 14, 2009

The Benefits of Journaling

There are many known benefits to journaling depending on why and how one chooses to journal. Journaling can be achieved by simply writing with pen and paper or blogging on a computer. Each person must chose which style of journaling will work best for them. Whichever one chooses, the journaling must be done with clarity and in a positive manner.

The benefits of jounaling tend to fall in these major categories:

1) Stress Reduction - By journaling stress causing emotions and thoughts, one can be empowered to process those feelings to overcome them and be strengthen by the theraputic effects of gaining insight in how to overcome them.

2) Healing - Journaling stimulates self growth as well as helps healing of the mind, body and soul. It has also been known to strengthen the immune system by reducing symptoms related to asthma, arthritis and similar medical conditions.

3) Recording of one's life history - Journaling events as they occur helps clear the mind while creating a written history of one's life. A daily journal would help keep one organized as to what and when daily tasks are completed. This kind of journaling can be beneficial by enabling one to keep an accurate time line of any life altering events in one's life.

This could also include keeping a food journal to help one with weight loss and maintenance. The food journal would help one track eating habits, both good or bad. It would also help keep one honest with oneself as to what was being consumed.

4) Help one know one's self - Journaling of this type will help one grow to understand one's own attitudes and beliefs and why the choices are made. This type will help enhance one's ability for self expression. One kind of this would be keeping a "gratitude journal". A "gratitude journal" would help one end the day on a positive note by the act of recording positive feelings or events experienced.

5) Resolution - Resolution journaling helps one see pros and cons of any problem issue. By doing this, one can see concretely the whole picture surrounding the issue, helping one brainstorm to finding a better solution.

Whichever reason one chooses to journal, the benefits from doing so can help give one positive encouragement toward life.

References:

http://stress.about.com/od/low_stresslifestyle/tp/be tter_sleep.htm

http://www.quintcareers.com/journaling_benefits.html

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