The words journal and diary are effectively synonymous with the subtle distinction of journaling being more about the exploration of ideas and feelings, more reflective. Whilst a diary is more about recording events, more objective in a sense. Likely originating thousands of years ago, potentially as soon as people had the capability to record information. It is likely that we do not know the first person to embark upon this noble pursuit and that their transcriptions have been lost over time. Practiced by commoners and royalty alike, journaling is an activity that spans millennia, occupation and class.
One of the earliest and most notable examples is that of Marcus Aurelius. The Roman Emperor who is perhaps the most famous proponent of the ancient philosophy called stoicism. He committed his deepest thoughts to paper in 167 A.D. These personal musings of his we now know as the book Meditations. His insights here have taught and inspired people throughout the ages. The list of remarkably famous people that practiced journaling goes on: Isaac Newton, Abraham Lincoln, Leonardo Da Vinci, Charles Franklin, Ernest Hemingway and Maya Angelou to name but a few. Whilst I am not claiming that their dedication to journaling is the only habit or trait binding them together in their shared success, it does serve as evidence of this being a worthwhile endeavour.
A statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome.
Some potential benefits of journaling consistently
1. Reduces stress- Can be used to quiet a busy mind. If you write your thoughts out, what’s worrying you, potential solutions, this can help you reduce anxiety and stress and gain some valuable perspective on whatever situation you find yourself in.
2. Improves physical health- studies have shown that participants that regularly journal are rewarded with unexpected health benefits such as lower blood pressure and improved liver functionality. Some researchers claim that is can even positively impact your immune system.
3. Improves Mood- it has been found that depression scores improve in certain populations after journaling for just a month.
4. Cognitive Improvements- Can boost memory, comprehension and working memory capacity.5. Strengthens emotional functions- Journaling often evokes the quality of mindfulness which can help individuals in the face of adversity and change, letting them observe their emotions whilst maintaining a more objective view of the situation.
5. Strengthens emotional functions- Journaling often evokes the quality of mindfulness which can help individuals in the face of adversity and change, letting them observe their emotions whilst maintaining a more objective view of the situation.
6. Improves Creativity- writing uses the left hemisphere of your brain which is the rational brain. This frees up your right hemisphere to freely create, feel and intuit.
Prior to a few weeks ago my experience with journaling was minimal, occasionally writing thoughts and feelings but mainly just using writing to prioritize goals on to do lists and to record the day’s events in quite an objective manner. Recently I have started using Journify to record my thoughts and feelings. Journify is an easy to use audio journaling app where you record yourself speaking, title the audio file and can add tags to categorize and reference the main themes you talked about. Then you can search for a tag such as “happy” or “anxious” and can listen back (or read back with transcripts of your audio file) to all previous recordings with that tag.
Whatever format or style of journaling appeals most to you then I would definitely recommend it. It has helped me gain some more control over my life which has been very helpful for my personal health issues in the recent past and I hope it continues to be so. Big Love, Sam xx
On My Mind-Jorja Smith X Preditah: Huge tune, thought of it for this blog because when I journal before bed i’m trying to get what’s on my mind down on paper and calm my inner chatter somewhat.
Something To Feel Good About-Will Joseph Cook: Reminds me of gratitude journaling or similar practices. Recording and acknowledging things that have gone well that day, that you can feel good about.