Benjamin Franklin, Anne Frank and Ronald Reagan are just a few of the many famous people known for keeping handwritten journals before technology boomed. Pen and paper may be old-fashioned, but recent studies show these tools are able to improve one’s physical well-being in a way a computer can’t.
The American Psychological Association has found increasing evidence that writing about emotions and stress can boost immune functioning. Their studies proved that this is especially true in patients with such illnesses asHIV/AIDS, asthma and arthritis.
“Writing is a simple way to personally come to terms with a traumatic or taxing event,” says Dr. Brian Waxler, a psychologist on staff at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Ill. “By regularly tracking experiences and personal thoughts, you can reduce the negative impact of stressors on your physical health.”
Journaling is also beneficial to the health of your brain. As you write, the left side of your brain is occupied and focused on the physical action while the right brain is available to feel and create. This simultaneous brain activity helps to remove mental blocks and utilize more brainpower.
“This can lead to better understanding yourself, others and the world around you,” Dr. Waxler says.
“Consistent writing will also allow a person to think more clearly and rationally so that he or she may be able to relax or resolve problems calmly and efficiently,” Dr. Waxler says.
The world may be a busy place, but all you need is a pen, paper, and five minutes to get started. Still not sure? Here are three simple tips to get started:
1.) Shortly after waking up, grab a pen and write down a few thoughts. This can set a positive mood for the entire day.
2.) If you happen to be a night owl, before turning off the light jot down a couple reflections from the day.
3.) Choose expressive and meaningful words to interpret your personal experiences. This way, the writing is more therapeutic and beneficial.
Begin to journal and see just how quickly you are able to clarify your thoughts, reduce stress and boost your immune system. In addition, you will create a collection of memories to look back on or to be passed down from one generation to the next. Who knows? Maybe someday your journal will be added to the famous collection.
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About the Author
Erin Abbey is the public affairs and marketing manager at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington where she works on getting the word out about hospital news and accomplishments as well as community events and activities.
Erin recently relocated from Chicago to the northwest suburbs where she lives with her husband, two young daughters and her dog Kallie. When she’s not at work, Erin enjoys exploring new restaurants, practicing yoga and pilates, reading as much as possible and attempting to keep up with all the news on social media.
CLICK HERE to read the latest articles Erin has written for Advocate Health’s enews platform at achealthenews.com.
She is also the author of our 365 Barrington Health Beat series focused on advice from area physicians, the latest medical news and trends toward better health in and around Barrington.
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, Illinois is a 169-bed acute care hospital with more than 700 physicians representing 50 medical specialties. It is part of Advocate Health Care, named one of the Top Ten hospital systems in the U.S. by Thomson-Reuters. Advocate is a faith-based organization that exists to serve its communities. For more about Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital, visit AdvocateHealth.com/goodshep.
