Scientifically Proven Benefits of Keeping A Journal

Music: Styrofoam Plates, Death Cab for Cutie *(Daytrotter Sessions)

I was browsing through notebookism, and I have added a (scientifically proven) reason to journal!

What’s funny is that yesterday, I was listening to a UC Berkeley podcast about human emotion, (OK so you may think that it’s very weird for me to write this, but hey I am very interested in Psychology and Human Behaviour, besides I want to share something that I have learned.) they talked about human emotions and language.

From what I remember from the lecture, they found that emotions felt during an episode, when presented in an alternative representation such as labelling emotions through words, metaphors, scripts, and narratives (like journalling) the experience is clarified and gives us insight .

So by writing down not just what transpired during the day but all the emotions that you have felt, or like me I journal in the moment of frustration or when experience strong emotions, I can get a better grip of my emotions and there is catharsis (James Pennebaker). There are a host of beneficial effects of writing down emotions, but basically what Pennebaker found out that journalling emotional experiences gives you:

1. Clarity and insight

2. Reduces the cost of suppressing the emotion (less stress, build an immune response to traumatic experiences)

Still not convinced, here are a few benefits as posted on the PsychCentral site (12.12.06):

Clarify your thoughts and feelings. Do you ever seem all jumbled up inside, unsure of what you want or feel? Taking a few minutes to jot down your thoughts and emotions (no editing!) will quickly get you in touch with your internal world. 

Know yourself better. By writing routinely you will get to know what makes you feel happy and confident. You will also become clear about situations and people who are toxic for you — important information for your emotional well-being.

Reduce stress. Writing about anger, sadness and other painful emotions helps to release the intensity of these feelings. By doing so you will feel calmer and better able to stay in the present.

Solve problems more effectively. Typically we problem solve from a left-brained, analytical perspective. But sometimes the answer can only be found by engaging right-brained creativity and intuition. Writing unlocks these other capabilities, and affords the opportunity for unexpected solutions to seemingly unsolvable problems.

Resolve disagreements with others. Writing about misunderstandings rather than stewing over them will help you to understand another’s point of view. And you just may come up with a sensible resolution to the conflict.

In addition to all of these wonderful benefits, keeping a journal allows you to track patterns, trends and improvement and growth over time. When current circumstances appear insurmountable, you will be able to look back on previous dilemmas that you have since resolved.

If you still need convincing, check out 100 Benefits of Journaling . Just so you know though, I tried a myriad ways of journalling, I use the traditional pen and paper, I tried audio journaling (this is super fun!! it captures the moment, but you need privacy for this!), and of course I also have a private blog!

Now I have 100 reasons to buy a new Moleskine!

I found a few cute stuff that I want to wear should I have the ching-ching this dress from Etro:

 

And ooh…this bag is too cute: