Writing in Times of Stress and Anxiety

"Thinking in writing has this magical quality of clarifying your thoughts." 

Perhaps you already keep a journal or have a creative writing practice. In times of stress and anxiety it is beneficial to have a writing practice to which you can return.

Numerous studies have shown that personal writing can help people better cope with stressful events, relieve anxiety, boost immune cell activity.

– Why is it so beneficial for anxiety?

According to psychologist Barbara Markway,

"There’s simply no better way to learn about your thought processes than to write them down."

She notes that to address our problematic thought patterns, we first have to actually know what they are! Journaling is instrumental in helping us identify our negative automatic self-talk and get to the root of our anxiety.

Writing in a journal can positively impact your anxiety through:

• Calming and clearing your mind;
• Releasing pent-up feelings and everyday stress;
• Letting go of negative thoughts;
• Exploring your experiences with anxiety;
• Writing about your struggles and your successes;
• Enhancing your self-awareness and teaching you about your triggers

View our collection of A5 Notebooks for all your journaling and writing needs! https://teneues.nyc/collections/a5-notebook       

Here is a great worksheet full of reflection prompts to help you deepen your journaling practice.

And if you need some more inspiration, check out this list of 10 books that will encourage you to keep a journal.