Kezia Harris
Professor Robinson
HED-299
3 August 2023
Journal Writing
Journal writing is a form of expressive writing that involves recording one's thoughts,
feelings, experiences, and reflections in a private space. It has been practiced for centuries for
self-discovery, self-expression, and emotional processing. Journaling has recently gained
popularity as an effective coping technique, with numerous studies highlighting its positive
impact on emotional and physical well-being.
Journal writing regularly documents personal thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a
written format. It can take various forms, including stream-of-consciousness writing, structured
journaling prompts, or gratitude journaling. The primary purpose of journal writing is to
encourage self-reflection, emotional expression, and understanding of one's innermost feelings.
Journal writing can be an effective coping skill. Journaling serves as an effective coping
technique because it allows individuals to process and manage emotions in a healthy way as it
initiates the communication of self-reflection between the mind and the soul, and it is a technique
to clear the mind of thoughts. Journal writing is not only good for the soul but is also beneficial
for the body. The effects of journal writing on emotional and physical health are significant. It
has been proven that journal writing can decrease elevated blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The immediate effects of journal writing are that it allows one to release thoughts,
feelings, and perceptions that liberate the mind and soften or expand the ego's walls. The long
terms benefits of journal writing are an increase in self-awareness and personal resolution.
Regular journaling fosters personal growth, self-acceptance, and resilience.
Only three essential elements are needed for effective journal writing: a notebook
dedicated solely to the journal, a pen or pencil, and a quiet, uninterrupted environment to collect
your thoughts and then put them down on paper. It is best to pick a time of day that works for
you and start with a minimum of 15-20 minutes for each entry and three entries per week.
The topic that stood out to me was Who am I? This topic required me to think about who
I am and what defines me. Journal writing benefited me and helped me be more in touch with my
emotional side. It made me think about things I would not usually think about. Some of the best
tips for journal writing as a coping technique are to write freely and not to hold back anything.