The power of writing is almost magical. Without writing, we would have forgotten many ancient stories today. Many historical events, stories of historical importance and, of course, fairy tales would have passed us by. And not only on a grand scale, but also within our own families.
Even though you (probably) don't think about it, you too are writing history (and literally if you actually write it down, of course).
However, writing offers so many more benefits, I will name you six of them.
I do wish to mention in specific that I am talking about writing by hand and not typing.
1. Reducing depressive symptoms and anxiety
Several studies have shown that writing has the potential to heal emotional wounds. Pennebaker's (2004) study found that in people who wrote expressively for 20 minutes a day, depressive thoughts and anxiety were significantly reduced.
2. Reduce stress and increase sense of happiness
As anxiety and depressive thoughts decreased, feelings of positivity toward life increased significantly. Feelings of stress could also be greatly reduced.
3. Brain Trainer
Writing also causes both hemispheres of the brain to become active. This is because you are both physically and mentally engaged at the time you write and different areas of the brain are active for this purpose. A nice side effect of this is that you are directly training your memory. Just think if you've written down a shopping list, often you won't need the list when you get to the supermarket.
4. New insights and perspectives
Writing allows you to look at events from a distance, allowing new perspectives and insights to emerge. You create, as it were, a helicopter view in relation to yourself. The feeling of empathy is strengthened as a result.
5. Processing feelings & emotions
Expressive writing can provide new insights and has the same effects as expressing feelings to friends or family. It makes you more aware and gives recognition to your feelings or emotions, helping you process them.
6. Stimulates and expands creativity
Creativity is also sparked. Not so much in the form of making new things, but in thinking in new and different possibilities. An important trait when it comes to increasing your self-confidence and problem-solving ability. Creativity is therefore of great importance during the path to personal transformation.
Writing helps us become more conscious and can initiate transformation almost automatically. Personally, I try to write down as much as I can. Thoughts, this newsletter (most of which I wrote down first in one of my journals), my courses, inspirational texts from books, quotes, my own research, as well as my dreams and thoughts.
A great assignment is to write continuously for 10 minutes. Start writing and see where it leads. Even if you don't know what to write down for a while, write it down literally.
You can set an alarm clock for this, so you can be sure to write for 10 minutes. A wonderful task to train your unconscious mind.
Pennebaker, J.W. (2004). Writing to heal: A guided journal for recovering from trauma and upheaval. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
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