Journaling Can Help You Manage Your Emotions

Many of my clients benefit from journaling exercises. Writing can help us minimize the intensity of negative emotions, find greater meaning and value, and increase motivation.

Writing helps you distance yourself from painful feelings. It is easier to notice patterns and gain perspective once you write down how you are feeling.

Setting goals and writing about them can also provide an anchor for you. You can track progress and brainstorm about ways to reach your goals.

Writing about your feelings reduces stress and anxiety. When you carry around unexpressed emotion, it can feel like a heavy burden. Getting those feelings out onto the page lightens your load.

Journaling also helps define your feelings. They become a part of you, instead of feeling like they are encompassing you. When you are less overwhelmed, it is easier to make decisions.

Keeping a gratitude journal is a powerful way to increase positive emotions. Practicing gratitude increases optimism and improves overall physical and mental health. Simply write down several things you are grateful for each day.

Here is an article that describes four writing exercises to help you manage your emotions. Try a suggestion from this article, whether it’s writing about a positive experience or writing about a goal, and notice its effect on your mood.

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, please feel free to reach out. If I’m not the right therapist for you, I can help you find someone who is.