Increased and prolonged exposure to stressful events may lead to a reduction in harmful thoughts and feelings.Īctively inhibiting negative emotions takes a considerable effort, further stressing the body and mind. Time spent creating coherent narratives of what has happened. While the exact mechanisms involved in journaling that confer physical and mental health benefits are not clear, the following psychological processes may be involved, to a greater or lesser degree (Baikie & Wilhelm, 2005):Īn emotional release of unconscious conflicts through venting negative feelings. It can promote acceptance–and mindful acceptance in particular–which is a valuable and effective way of getting unstuck, freeing ourselves to move forward (Forsyth & Eifert, 2016). Study findings suggest that accepting our feelings is linked to better psychological health and positive therapeutic outcomes, including improved moods and reduced anxiety.Īnd this is where journaling can help. “Research has consistently linked the habitual tendency to accept one’s mental experiences with greater psychological health” (Ford et al., 2018, p. Recording what makes us feel grateful every day can become monotonous, even zapping positivity. Not only that, but research into gratitude journaling suggests that “study participants who regularly drew their attention to aspects of their lives that made them feel blessed increased their positivity” (Fredrickson, 2010, p.
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