{"id":5395,"date":"2021-10-04T20:23:37","date_gmt":"2021-10-05T00:23:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/monastere.ca\/non-classifiee\/journaling-a-beneficial-practice\/"},"modified":"2023-01-20T20:01:13","modified_gmt":"2023-01-21T00:01:13","slug":"journaling-a-beneficial-practice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/monastere.ca\/en\/holistic-health\/journaling-a-beneficial-practice\/","title":{"rendered":"Journaling: a beneficial practice"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What if you decided to take a little time for yourself, starting today? What about journaling? Writing a journal is to exist in the simple flow of ink across a page. It\u2019s an age-old activity with scientifically proven benefits.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Journaling: a history<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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While it has roots in antiquity, journaling took shape in the Middle Ages mostly in the form of domestic records kept by a head of family. It would go on to become the hobby of many men and women from the 18th century onwards.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Journaling was then popularized under the form we know today: the simple act of putting your activities, observations and deepest feelings to paper.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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It has made quite the comeback during the pandemic. <\/a>It\u2019s an activity that costs very little and has helped many face the uncertainties of these times.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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The benefits of journaling<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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Writing down your most secret thoughts, without judgment or taboo, has many advantages. The act of revelation is a route to self-discovery and a better understanding of yourself.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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The flow of ink can help you make sense of your thoughts and feelings, take a step back, channel your stress<\/a>, manage your mental and emotional overload and last but not least, remember happy moments.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Writing is healthy<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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\u201cWriting is good for you,\u201d says Matthew Lieberman, a UCLA psychology researcher who has studied the subject extensively.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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In a 2007 article, Lieberman found that writing your feelings down reduces activity in the amygdala, where fear, sadness and anger are formed.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Renowned Texas University researcher and psychologist James Pennabaker would agree. His research found that writing about intense or difficult events or emotions for twenty minutes a day over a few days strengthens the immune system.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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A pioneer in the field, Pennabaker created expressive writing in the \u201980s. It\u2019s a therapy tool that involves writing your feelings in a journal. He demonstrated through studies that writing about your feelings helps you manage them. The practice has a positive impact on many aspects of holistic health<\/a>, from how well you sleep<\/a>, to strengthening your immune system and even improving your relationships.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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Combining body and mind<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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Even if journaling can be done through several apps, good old pen and paper are still the best. Why? Simply because writing coordinates the body and mind in a singular purpose, not unlike meditation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

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I\u2019d like to try, how do I start?<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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1. Some simple ground rules:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
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