The Benefits of Journaling
The next stress management activity to be briefly discussed is the technique of journaling. The physical and emotional benefits of journaling, as a catharsis of stressful events, have been widely researched by James Pennebaker (1997), as well as others.
According to Pennebaker's research, writing about emotional stressors in our lives can improve physical and mental health.
Although the scientific research surrounding the value of expressive writing is still in the early phases, there are some specific approaches to writing as a stress management activity that his lab has found to be helpful.
Some tips include:
* Find a time and place where you won’t be disturbed, such as at the end of the workday or before going to sleep.
* Write for a minimum of 15 minutes a day for at least 3 consecutive days.
* Once you begin journaling, write continuously. Don’t be worried about spelling or grammar. If you run out of things to say before the 15 minutes are over, just repeat whatever you started writing.
* Write longhand or on a computer. If unable to write, you can also talk into a tape recorder.
* You can write about the same thing on all 3 or 4 days of writing or you can write about something different each day.
The most helpful topics to journal on, according to his research, include worries, dreams, stressful events, and issues that you have been avoiding. Afterwards, you can do whatever you want to with the written material, for example, rip it up.
Barbara has a BA in Biology and an MA and PhD in Psychology, with a specialty in Mind-Body Health. She is a certified spiritual counselor and coach, and was also trained in past life regression by Brian Weiss, MD. She's trained in integrative Eastern and Western techniques to help couples improve their sexual relationship. Barbara teaches clients integrated tools that help them create the life and relationships they envision. She’s been featured in Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Love and Lust column as well as other international media sources.
A client recently said that just by doing the meditation techniques in her class, their business and income expanded greatly because they were more centered and present. Another client lost the fear to ask for what they wanted in life in general, so they asked for and received double their salary and several months’ vacation. Clients have revitalized their love lives and become more comfortable with themselves. The techniques she teaches are unique and powerful. She can teach you techniques to get out of the struggle mode and regain your sense of self, while still having an enjoyable work and family life using a holistic, integrated approach incorporating both traditional goal-setting techniques as well as alternative techniques derived from acupressure and yoga to help you raise your self-esteem, feel balanced, and reach your goals more quickly.
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