This slideshow explains the key mental, emotional and physical health benefits of journaling and writing. Benefits include enhanced creativity and optimism, better problem-solving abilities, and clearer communication.

1. 06
Why Journal?
The Benefits
of Journaling

2. 1. It reduces stress
Writing about our feelings and
experiences helps us release some of
the associated emotions and process
events in our lives.

3. 2. It improves our
memory
We are more likely to remember
things when we write them down,
including important life lessons and
epiphanies.

4. 3. It promotes self-
awareness and
mindfulness
...which in turn promotes happiness
and a sense of well-being. Journaling
encourages us to focus on our
present thoughts and feelings.

5. 4. It improves our
physical health
Research has suggested that regular
journaling strengthens immune cells
called T-lymphocytes.

6. 5. It heightens our
sense of optimism
Regular gratitude journaling has been
shown to promote greater optimism,
as well as enthusiasm and energy.

7. 6. It improves our
problem-solving
abilities
Writing helps us understand more
complex issues, see patterns and
gives us a chance to reflect on
solutions.

8. 7. It enhances our
creativity
Journaling is an opportunity for
creative self-expression. Regular
practice enhances our creativity
across the board.

9. 8. It improves our self-
discipline and
willpower
Willpower is like a muscle: the more
we use it, the stronger it gets. Regular
journaling gives us an opportunity to
exercise and strengthen our willpower.

10. 9. It helps us make
important decisions
Not only does journaling give us
private space to reflect, but we see
things from a different perspective
when we write them down.

11. 10. It improves our
communication
Writing is a form of communication,
and regular journaling improves not
only our use of vocabulary but our
emotional awareness and self-control.

12. References & Sources
https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/prefrontal-nudity/201211/the-grateful-brain
http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-health-benefits-of-journaling/
http://rer.sagepub.com/content/66/1/53.short
https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/willpower-self-control.pdf
http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704631504575531932754922518
http://apt.rcpsych.org/content/11/5/338.full
http://journaltherapy.com/journal-to-the-self/journal-writing-history
http://transformationalchange.pbworks.com/f/stressjournaling.pdf
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/writing-executive-function-brain-research-judy-willis
https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=4552
http://www.apa.org/monitor/jun02/writing.aspx