Pen to Paper: Exploring the Therapeutic Benefits of Journaling

Our health is comprised of much more than just physical activity. Mental health is huge component and in the last couple of decades have helped people to be made more aware of it, although is still feels like a taboo subject.

This week's blog will explore it, and the also the art of journaling. If you have never journaled, this is for you. If you are an avid journaler, I hope you can be affirmed by this blog.

Let's take a look at mental health benefits first:

• sometimes we don't know who to talk to. Sometimes we don't know how to express what we are feeling. Grab your journal. Write one word sentences. You'll be surprised at how the words will start to flow and a weight will be lifted.

• sometimes we get overwhelmed and anxious about chores, projects, people in our lives, etc and we feel like screaming. Write that down. Write all the items down. This will help organize your thoughts, maybe even prioritize items.

• journaling will help you find what triggers certain feelings, certain thoughts.
  

Emotional benefits:

• Journaling can help you release emotions you keep inside. It's a safe outlet. No judgement. No offense. Just paper receiving your words.

• It can also help you shift your focus from the negative to the positive as you write.

• and it can be very healing.

Journaling also offers the benefits of goal-setting and goal reaching. As stated earlier, it also helps prioritize items, so time management is another great area. If you are trying to focus on positive things, it helps with mindfulness, awareness and gratefulness!

But what if you're not a writer? That's ok. I mentioned earlier, 1 word sentences. Just being able to find a word to describe something is so amazing. Write it down. You can either use that word to reflect on, or to work on, or to erase so it's gone for good. Or doodle your thoughts. Sketching can sometimes bring out subconscious thoughts as well. Very deep y'all.

The beauty of journaling is that there is no right or wrong way to do it!

Now wait a minute. Did you know that journaling can also help you in the area of physical wellness?? Yes, for sure! Write in it just before bed, and have a wonderful sleep. You just let out all your thoughts, worries, decisions to make, and now you can rest knowing your words are on those pages for another day.

Writing in a journal is also a wonderful stress relief. Get rid of those tense muscles as you write about whatever. Allow yourself to breathe. Allow yourself to smile.

Then get up and stretch and come to FitStop!

:)

PSAs

Clean shoes please!

Lest We forget. Service at 10:45am in the arena on November 11th. The gym will be open from 12 on, but no classes that day.

Murph Challenge from Nov. 9-11th. Check out the posters in the gym. They'll be up this weekend.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Your coach,

Tracy

tracy.jones@summerside.ca

Sside.ca/FitStopApp