The Power of the Pen: How Journaling Boosts Mental Well-Being

Mental health issues have been on the rise in recent years, but arguably, the compulsive use of social media and the lingering impact of Covid-19 are two of the biggest culprits, affecting nearly every country on our blue dot.

Covid-19 led to loss, unemployment, disease, isolation, and a deep fear of others. Pair that with social media—an addiction that constantly puts our lives under a harsh spotlight—and we find ourselves stuck in a cycle of measuring our lowest, most mundane moments against the carefully curated highlights of others. This drains our self-worth, chips away at our attention span, and makes us feel like we’re never enough. No wonder it’s so hard for people to just sit with their own thoughts anymore. But that’s where journaling comes in.

A Free Therapist (Sort Of)

Needless to say, a journal isn’t a replacement for therapy by any means, and we aren’t suggesting it. However, it can present itself as a great tool between sessions. Writing about your emotions makes it easier to understand them, spot patterns and triggers, and even eventually come up with solutions. And the best part is, all you need is a journal and a bolt action pen — no appointments needed.

Writing Your Way to a Calmer Mind

A common misconception, which is frankly quite outdated and childish, is the assumption that journaling is only for writers and teenagers writing a diary filled with confessions to their crushes. Perhaps that is how journaling begins, but that isn’t where it stagnates. It grows. It is almost like a reset button for your mind, helping you declutter and untangle the thoughts in your head and jot them down on paper so you can understand yourself better.

Here are some of the benefits observed through journaling:

Stress Relief That Actually Works

Journaling presents itself as a private and personal way of letting out the thoughts we all have bottled up inside. With it, you can express your deepest and most raw thoughts, putting them into the real world, understanding them, all without any judgment. Studies have been conducted, and there is demonstrable evidence that writing lowers stress levels, stress traits, and also improves immune function. (source)

A Creativity and Memory Boost

Journaling isn’t merely a way to combat mental health struggles and talk about one’s feelings; it is also a form of training for our brains that strengthens cognitive function, sharpens memory, and even boosts creativity. You see, in our current times, one of the biggest issues is simply how easy instant gratification has become. We’re all seeking a rush, a dopamine hit. This has made our attention spans shrink to the bare minimum. So, think of journaling like a workout for your brain to regain these lost skills.

How to Start (And Stick With) Journaling

The very first step to journaling is procuring the right items. There aren’t many, so it isn’t particularly a major investment that one must plan for. If you’re ready to develop a new habit for yourself, here’s how you can go about it:

• Get yourself a diary along with an EDC pen. We specifically mention an EDC pen, or everyday carry, because they can withstand being thrown around without any issues.
  
• There is no need to start writing pages on the very first day. Even a couple of words or sentences can make a huge difference. It’s really about just being consistent.
  
• Don’t overthink it on any level. Things like spelling, grammar, and neat handwriting? None of that really matters. All you need to do is write.
  
• If you feel like the blank pages are too intimidating, start simple, using prompts like “What’s something good that happened today?” or “What’s one thing I wish I could tell my past self?”
  
• Make it enjoyable—make it a ritual by perhaps pairing the art of journaling alongside your morning coffee or as a way to wind down before bed.
  
• Keep it private. Remember, your journal is for you. No one has access to it, and no one must read it unless you want them to. So, be real and be honest.

Conclusion

Journaling helps redirect unclear thoughts and translates them into words, allowing individuals not only to feel lighter and get a weight off their chest but also to gain a deeper understanding of their own thinking patterns and triggers. Of course, it also comes with other benefits, such as increasing memory retention and boosting creativity. So, get yourself a solid bolt-action pen alongside a notebook of your choice and start writing today!