As a writer, I know firsthand how wonderful writing can be in helping soothe the soul and sort stuff out. But you don't have to be a professional wordsmith to reap writing's therapeutic benefits. Best of all, it's cheap, easy and you don't have to show it to anyone!
The Proof is in the Pencil
Let's begin with the evidence. For decades, numerous studies have found that writing about trauma or stressful situations can boost our physical health and mental wellbeing.
An article published in ‘Advances in Psychiatric Treatment' found that writing can be a powerful therapeutic tool for people who have survived trauma and other difficulties. It analysed various studies, from 1986 onwards, that have showed even writing down your deepest, darkest thoughts for 15 to 20 minutes each day can boost your mood and help heal old wounds.
Here are a few other ways writing can help:
- Reduced blood pressure
- Improved immunity and liver and lung function
- Increased wellbeing and reduced depression
- Lower absenteeism
- Higher work satisfaction
- Improved social experiences
How to Write for Therapy
It's easy to write as a form of therapy. All you need is a pen or pencil and a notebook. Take your time choosing your tools, as this can be a form of therapy in itself!
For the next week, commit to spending up to half an hour a day writing down your thought and feelings. Focus on challenging or traumatic events in your life. Record how it made you feel, what you experienced and how it relates to your relationships with others, such as your friends, partner, relatives, teachers and colleagues.
The most important thing is to get the words down on the page. Forget spelling and grammar, and don't edit yourself as you write. The more you let go, the more you'll get out of each writing session.
A counsellor, life coach or other practitioner may also ask you to keep a journal to complement your treatment.
