Do you journal? This is one that I resisted for a long time. Once I started seeing benefits for myself, I started implementing it with some of my patients to rave reviews. If you’re a skeptic like I was, worry that the effort isn’t worth the time, or just need a little nudge to get started, here are some of the myriad benefits:
- Stress relief : See here and here
- Improved memory: Journaling can boost memory and comprehension, as well as working memory capacity, which may reflect improved cognitive processing. Source
- Clarifies goals and courses of action to achieve them: “Journaling about your goals helps you clarify what you want and encourages you to consider the why and how, not just the what.” Source
- Promotes creativity
- Encourages a sense of gratitude
- And many more!
Here’s a quick journaling exercise as a place to start. I strongly recommend pen & paper over a computer, tablet or smartphone.
