One of the most prevalent issues in our hurry-up, multi-tasking, always-accessible world is stress relief.  The results of medical research are clear on this issue: stress contributes to weakening our immune systems and can be life shortening.  There are lots of ways to decrease stress in our lives.  One of the less talked about options that can be easy to incorporate into our daily routines is journaling.  Research shows that writing a journal can reduce the symptoms of health conditions, improve mental faculty, bolster immune response, and negate some of the impact of stress.

Keeping a journal is more than writing down one’s daily activities.  To be effective, the journaler must write about emotions and suspend the internal editor we all have.  Writing in a journal is not about perfection, it’s a tool we can use to illuminate our thinking about a topic, to process charged emotional situations, or to puzzle out solutions.

To begin journaling, no special equipment is required, just writing instrument and paper.  You can use plain paper, a notebook or a beautiful blank journal purchased just for the purpose.  As with so many aspects of our lives, technology has brought us even more choices.  Online journal sites let you record your musings in cyber space and promise privacy.  They offer something more to those who want it.  The chance to read others' journal entries offered for public viewing and an opportunity for community.  It just depends on your own style and desires.  Some to look at: privatejournals offers a free private journal.  This site also has excellent tips on getting started and exercises to help your writing flow.  Livejournal offers both private journals and the option to post writings for the public.  A similar site, InBoxJournal also offers the option for reminder emails to keep you journaling.

Whatever method you choose, why not give keeping a journal a try?  You can help cut down on your daily stress, and you may get a whole lot more.

Contact Info:

Live Journal

privatejournals.com

InBox Journal.com