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TIP: Write To Relieve Stress
Stressed? Instead of gnawing on that pencil, put it to paper to help erase tension and increase self-esteem [1]. Recent research suggests expressive writing can be a therapeutic, constructive way to cope with stress and reduce symptoms of depression [2]. So the next time life feels a bit overwhelming, grab a pencil and follow its lead…
Write On, Dude — The Take Away
Researchers suggest keeping a daily journal can be a simple way to clear the mind of stress and combat anxiety. Jotting down emotions before a test has shown both and, in one study, even boosted exam performance in students [3]. Expressive writing is also a reflective, meditative activity, which can promote creative expression and positive self-awareness [4]. Plus, recording thoughts can be a private way to solve problems— without having to mind p’s and q’s (or a broken wrist after punching a wall).
Journaling has also been shown to encourage a positive body image and improve self-appreciation among young women [5]. After all, it's a great way to record awesome accomplishments (no modesty required).
Getting started on the path to writing away stress is easy. Find a favorite journal and a comfortable writing tool— anything from a pencil to that mac-and-cheese colored Crayola— and write off into the sunset. Studies indicate expressive writing might be especially effective leading up to a stressful situation, so start by scheduling regular paper sessions before that next big test (in the classroom or otherwise) [6]. Don’t know what to write? Try jotting down some positive affirmations or documenting daily events and feelings. Soon, the only writers’ block will be in the form of a hand cramp.
Tip
Relieve stress (the write way) by keeping a journal.
Works Cited
- Effects of written emotional disclosure on implicit self-esteem and body image. O'Connor, D.B., Hurling, R., Hendrickx, H., et al. Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK Unilever Discover, Colworth, UK.British Journal of Health Psychology. 2011 Sep;16(3):488-501.⤴
- The durability of beneficial health effects associated with expressive writing. Sloan, DM., Feinstein, BA., Marx., BP. National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare Systems, Boston, Massachusetts. Anxiety, Stress and Coping. 2009 Oct;22(5):509-23.⤴
- Writing about testing worries boosts exam performance in the classroom. Ramirez, G., Beilock, S.L. Department of Psychology and Committee on Education, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. <a title="Science (New York, N.Y.). Science. 2011 Jan 14;331(6014):211-3.⤴
- Journaling: creating space for "I". Charles, J.P. Clayton State University Morrow, Georgia, USA. Creative Nursing. 2010;16(4):180-4.⤴
- Effects of written emotional disclosure on implicit self-esteem and body image. O'Connor, D.B., Hurling, R., Hendrickx, H., et al. Institute of Psychological Sciences, University of Leeds, UK Unilever Discover, Colworth, UK. British Journal of Health Psychology. 2011 Sep;16(3):488-501.⤴
- Writing about testing worries boosts exam performance in the classroom. Ramirez, G., Beilock, S.L. Department of Psychology and Committee on Education, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. Science. 2011 Jan 14;331(6014):211-3.⤴
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Comments Leave a comment
I went to the local dollar store and picked up a shrink-wrapped package of 3 miniature composition books: I kept the green-cover one for use as my personal journal, which has helped me solve many problems! There was also a red and a traditional black cover book in the package: I gave them to dear friends with a suggestion they use them as private journals... nice thing about these little guys is they easily fit in your pocket thus making them super-portable!
I went to the local dollar store and picked up a shrink-wrapped package of 3 miniature composition books: I kept the green-cover one for use as my personal journal, which has helped me solve many problems! There was also a red and a traditional black cover book in the package: I gave them to dear friends with a suggestion they use them as private journals... nice thing about these little guys is they easily fit in your pocket thus making them super-portable!
Great post! Writing is the best way for me to clean my soul. I started as a teen and I'm sort of a writing addict. It's more like a therapy for me.
I definitely recommend keeping a journal! I used to have one that I was getting pretty good about writing in, but then I moved and now I can't find it for the life of me - this post reminds me that I need to go dig it up.
I personally believe that stress and its related disorders should be treated in a non clinical way. you can not treat this problem with medicines. And the writing method i surely believe help a lot in treating this.
There are so many things you can do to relieve stress one is to relax by means of going to place where you can chill , two is to eat your favorite food and do something that you love to do and last is make bonding with your family and friends because they influence us in so many ways and they are our half life.
things we can do to relieve some strees is to to ho and hang out and just chill with your frineds or take a nice hot shower and just think play some sports or do what makes you happy
Simply Fascinating. People tend to think that writing a journal is a children's thing. Who would have thought it was good for everybody. Writing is one of if not the best remedy for stress.
I think writing a journal can really help. In fact when I am stressed I feel relaxed when I write about my feelings. So it makes sense to try this method. Who do not feel stressed this days? Everyone do so this article is very timely and useful!
Writing is definitely the mind's way to release collected energy from too much thinking or bodily stress. It is said that stress can hinder one's thinking but I think that one just have to channel that stressful energy into something productive. Stress can be a form of inspiration to write very creative things.
I stopped writing personal journal's and diaries a long time ago but something happened in my life this year that gave me the "(stress-related) inspiration" to chronicle them all down.
I don't really tend to get stressed much, unles I have a lot of things I need to do in a really short time frame, but if I am ever stressed I sit down, go on the computer log-on to MyLot or Birejji and make a few posts/lines.
I do believe writing can help relieve stress. Everyday I write four things I am thankful for on my blog www.sharingthanks.blogspot.com. This practice has really helped me focus on the joys and the positive moments of the day and helped me appreciate all the kindnesses I have been given. Stop by my blog and share what you are thankful for today in the comments.