Sunday, June 21, 2015

Tips On Using Creative Writing Journals To Write In

By Freida Michael


Many people use diaries to keep a note of daily activities. The purposes of a journal go much deeper, with entries that express emotions, responses to events as well as questions and reflections about life. Creative writing journals to write in are often used on a daily basis, offering an important way to develop creativity. Studies have even shown that keeping one even has positive effects on both physical and emotional health.

Through the centuries, we often hear about important men and women who kept journals. Sometimes these have even been published at a later date. Many philosophers, writers, presidents and prime ministers would record their thoughts in this way. Today, the practice of journal-keeping is as popular as ever, despite the digital revolution. There is just something about putting pen to paper that we find therapeutic.

It is often helpful to look back at past events and emotions and reflect on them. This is where a journal comes in handy as it not only records events but captures the emotions experienced at the time. One can often gain helpful insights and even discern unhelpful behavior patterns that can be changed. Personal and even professional growth can be encouraged in this manner.

Developing the habit of using a journal may be difficult at first. However, the more we write, the easier it becomes. Do not be too selective about what is written at first. It is like priming the pump until the good stuff starts coming out. We should not be discouraged by our stumbling attempts to express ourselves at first. As we persist, we soon start to find that our skills improve and the words start flowing.

When we begin to develop this habit, it provides a way of clearing out the mind. You transfer thoughts from your head to the paper, clearing out mental clutter. Once this happens, there is room for true creativity to be expressed. It is rather like having a dialogue with yourself and eventually may lead to insights you would otherwise have missed.

Many people struggle to recover from grief and loss. It has been proved that writing fears down and expressing emotions in words helps in the healing process. Instead of remaining bottled up inside, they are released onto the paper and this often helps to promote healing.

It may be considered old-fashioned to keep a journal in this day when just about everyone has a blog. However, a blog is not private and there is something special that happens in the brain when a person puts pen to paper. Problems can be explored, possibilities considered, emotions expressed and creativity stimulated by the process.

Document your struggles and your triumphs, exercise your creativity, release your frustrations and fears. You will feel better for it and studies have shown that such a habit can significantly improve your health. Develop the habit of keeping a journal and you will not regret it.




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