Writing for Wellness

Unlocking Emotional Freedom Through the Power of the Pen

As human beings we feel a range of different emotions that can sometimes get the best of us. Those feelings can turn into heavy baggage that weigh us down and cause us to feel helpless.

It’s not enough to just ignore these emotions. Why? Because they build up like a pile of rocks over time. And these rocks of emotions are what holds us back.

Beyond the surface, these emotions can expand when we ignore them. And when emotions override the controls of our life, we tend to make illogical choices.

Picture yourself as a body of water. Is the water flowing freely or is it stagnant? When the water flows you feel free and more joyful. When the water is stagnant you feel stuck and uncertain.

Therapeutic rituals help the water flow freely—I call these “emotional regulators.” When we are devoid of these rituals our emotions will weigh on us and impact our behavior.

Here’s a therapeutic ritual (keeps the water flowing) and why this can help you thrive.

Writing Practice

Research has shown that writing has a calming effect. Most particularly when you handwrite. Pen on paper is key.

The evidence is in the research:

“A brain imaging study by UCLA psychologists revealed that expressing feelings, in verbal or written words, reduces activity in the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center, and engages the thinking brain. This brain pattern can make sadness, anger, and pain less intense.”

Other benefits of writing are:

• Stress buster 

• Mood booster

• Explore and express emotions

• Improved well-being

• Rewire your brain

• Calms parasympathetic nervous system

• Physical and psychological benefits

• Better retention and comprehension 

• Decrease the intensity of emotion

• Faster healing time

• Tames worrying

When you write, you release the power emotions have over you.

For example, in the process of writing my book, Life Hacks for Healing & Harmony it was a cathartic experience. As I wrote about my stories, lessons I learned, hardships, and strategic ways of coping, I felt a purging of emotions and a purification of the mind. Not only did I feel joyful while writing, but the positive effects are also long-lasting. I felt balanced, less stressed, more at peace, blissful, content, mindful, and witnessed a healthier mindset.

You can experience all these benefits too. The following guideline can help you get started.

Tips:

1. Gather your writing tools (pen, pencil, notebook)

2. Find a quiet spot to handwrite

3. Set a timer of 20 minutes or more (begin)

4. Focus on a centering thought and emotion (set an intention) 

5. Remember: these are private thoughts (pour your heart out on paper)

6. Express yourself freely (enjoy the process) 

7. When the act of writing is done, read it.

8. Rinse and repeat (make it your daily ritual)

Writing to express emotions can be our saving grace in our healing journey. It refreshes your outlook on life. It empowers you to keep moving forward when the going gets tough. It gives you the fuel you need to endure.

Today, I encourage you to start a daily writing practice. Put pen to paper and watch the benefits come trickling in.

Let this wisdom guide you: writing to express your emotions is music to your soul.

My special wish for you: May you be well, may you be joyful, may you be more harmonious.

Please share this blog post on social media (and tag me) to help others achieve wellness.

Sending you peace.

Yours truly,

Tara Mae Temple, Author of Life Hacks for Healing & Harmony

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1 Debbie Hampton. How Writing Improves Your Brain and Helps You Heal. The Best Brain Possible, 2017.

https://thebestbrainpossible.com/writing-improves-brain-heal-emotions-health-journaling/#:~:text=A%20brain%20imaging%20study%20by%20UCLA%20psychologists%20revealed,can%20make%20sadness%2C%20anger%2C%20and%20pain%20less%20intense.

2  Debbie Hampton. How Writing Improves Your Brain and Helps You Heal.