In this book, scientists James Pennebaker and Joshua Smyth show how writing helps you process emotions and can even improve your overall health. Pennebaker explains that when you suppress your thoughts and feelings, you can develop mental and physical complaints. Intense emotions have a negative effect on our immune system and can lead to minor and even serious health problems.
The scientists had people write about a traumatic event for fifteen minutes for four days in a row and concluded:
- that language (spoken and written) has health benefits
- that writing down painful things reduces feelings of stress and anxiety
- that the writers experienced a greater sense of freedom and meaning
- that the writers visited the doctor less often
How come writing about something that concerns you is so helpful?
By writing about a painful matter, you first acknowledge what has happened. Moreover, writing gives you the opportunity to structure your story and/or add other perspectives. By giving words to your feelings and thoughts you become less sensitive to the actual event. As a result, writing gives you understanding and insight into what you have experienced. And by entrusting your story to paper, more working memory is freed up in your brain because you do not have to constantly be thinking about it. This reduces stress and provides immediate relief.
When can you most benefit from writing?
Writing can be helpful:
- if you want to calm your thoughts (for example in the evening to sleep better).
- with relatively minor problems: an argument with a colleague, an exam you failed, anxiety about a problem at work or in your private life.
- during major changes in your life, your relationship, your work, when your children leave home, when your health changes, etc. At these times, reflect on who you are, what you do and what is important to you.
- when traumatic events from the past constantly occupy your mind.
- with chronic health problems such as asthma, rheumatism, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, cancer and/or cardiovascular diseases.
All in all writing:
- relieves
- helps you process your emotions
- makes things clear, organized and manageable
- helps you remember things better
- frees up space in your brain for new ideas
- helps you become aware of your limiting thoughts and develop a healthier way of thinking
- helps you be kinder to yourself and accept yourself
- helps you see things from a different perspective
- helps you solve problems
- helps you understand yourself
Writing is a simple, inexpensive, and preventative tool to stay healthy, both mentally and physically!
