Managing Stress 8E Principles and Strategies for Health and Well-Being Brian Luke Seaward, Ph.D. Unless otherwise noted, all images were supplied by Brian Luke Seaward. Credit: © Inspiration Unlimited. Used with permission.
Chapter 11 Journal Writing
“All sorrows can be borne, if you put them in a story.” —Isak Dinesen, Author, Out of Africa
Therapeutic journal writing can be defined as a series of written passages that document the personal events, thoughts, feelings, memories, and perceptions in one’s life journey leading to wholeness.
Cultivating the Soul- Searching Process
Self-exploration of Thoughts and Feelings
Historical Perspective
Magellan Lewis & Clark Columbus Marco Polo Kings and Queens Astronauts
Journal Writing as a Coping Technique
Research on the health effects of journaling
Increases immune function
Research on the health effects of journaling Increases immune function Decreases resting blood pressure
Research on the health effects of journaling Increases immune function Decreases resting blood pressure Decreases cholesterol levels
Research on the health effects of journaling Increases immune function Decreases resting blood pressure Decreases cholesterol levels Decreases stress levels
Research on the health effects of journaling Increases immune function Decreases resting blood pressure Decreases cholesterol levels Decreases stress levels Beneficial for fibromyalgia patients
Research on the health effects of journaling Increases immune function Decreases resting blood pressure Decreases cholesterol levels Decreases stress levels Beneficial for fibromyalgia patients Augments grieving process
Research on the health effects of journaling Increases immune function Decreases resting blood pressure Decreases cholesterol levels Decreases stress levels Beneficial for fibromyalgia patients Augments grieving process Helps cope with stressful life events
Research on the health effects of journaling Increases immune function Decreases resting blood pressure Decreases cholesterol levels Decreases stress levels Beneficial for fibromyalgia patients Augments grieving process Helps cope with stressful life events Promotes helpful cathartic release for Iraq war veteran wives
Journal Writing: Immediate Effects
Short Term Effects: Journal writing allows for a healthy emotional catharsis
Journal Writing: Long-Term Effects
Long-Term Effects: You see patterns in thoughts and behaviors that are hard to notice on a day-to-day basis
Steps to Initiate Journal Writing
Journaling Strategy:
Journaling Strategy: Identify stressful issues
Journaling Strategy: Identify stressful issues Identify emotions with these issues
Journaling Strategy: Identify stressful issues Identify emotions with these issues Consider creative solutions to problems
Journal Writing Tips: Getting Started... Centering Label your entries Uncensorship Spontaneity A private place A private journey Overcoming writer’s block
Poetry Therapy:
Making order out of personal chaos
Blogging vs. Journaling
Writer’s Block!
Journal Writing Styles: Themes and Ideas
Styles and Themes
Styles and Themes Buzan Style
Styles and Themes Buzan Style Proprioceptive Method
Styles and Themes Buzan Style Proprioceptive Method Dream Journal
Styles and Themes Buzan Style Proprioceptive Method Dream Journal Unsent Letters
Styles and Themes Buzan Style Proprioceptive Method Dream Journal Unsent Letters Others
Best Tips for Journal Writing
Journaling Tips Get a nice notebook
Journaling Tips Get a nice notebook Start an entry with lists
Journaling Tips Get a nice notebook Start an entry with lists Consider soft background music
Journaling Tips Get a nice notebook Start an entry with lists Consider soft background music Consider a centering device, like a seashell
Journaling Tips Get a nice notebook Start an entry with lists Consider soft background music Consider a centering device, like a seashell Try a poem, or even rap
Journaling Tips Get a nice notebook Start an entry with lists Consider soft background music Consider a centering device, like a seashell Try a poem, or even rap Keep a journal section for ideas, doodles, and photo collages
Best Application for Journal Writing