The Power of Journaling
By Nina Atwood
Taking a pen in hand and writing down your thoughts and feelings – a process known as “journaling” – has been a powerful tool for personal growth for as long as people have been writing. No one knows exactly why, but something happens in the brain and nervous system when we write down with a pen (not Word process using a keyboard) our thoughts and feelings about life events. Recent research has established a connection between journaling and better overall health. Studies show that journaling reduces stress and the health risks associated with stress.
From a mental health standpoint, journaling is a powerful tool for personal growth, especially while single and dating. Just yesterday, someone asked me about recovery from the breakup of a long-term relationship and how to go forward in life. The answer is simple: develop a powerful inner compass to guide you.
How do you develop your inner compass? By creating time in your life on a daily basis to be quiet and reflective. Meditation – sitting and focusing on breath for a few minutes – helps. Follow that with journaling and you are putting together a daily practice that can literally change your life.
Over time, a well developed inner compass informs you about your choices and behavior – lining them up NOT with that which makes you feel temporarily good but instead with that which is in your highest and greatest good.
Getting started. I don’t know if you have tried journaling in the past, but if you have, you may not have enjoyed having that blank page staring at you every day, not knowing where to begin. If so, this particular journal may help – it’s called Journey: Getting Back to You. Each day you have a step-by-step process in which to journal, beginning with “cleansing” and moving through the steps of “appreciation, affirmation, anchoring, and reflection.” I have found it to be personally very rewarding and easy to follow. Order yours today at www.journalwithin.com.
If you haven’t already, buy and read Temptations of the Single Girl: The Ten Dating Traps You Must Avoid – find out how to develop your inner compass so that you can attract a wonderful guy who is completely into you! Learn more or buy it today from our aStore.
Entry Filed under: Dating
1 Comment
1. Diana Raab | September 7th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
As a journaling advocate, i really enjoyed your last posting! Indeed, it is an important powerful tool for growth no matter what our stage in life!
To understand the long-term benefits, please read my book REGINA’S CLOSET: FINDING MY GRANDMOTHER’S SECRET JOURNAL.
Also, you might want to visit my blog where i discuss many journaling tips, http://www.dianaraab.wordpress.com.