Journaling

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<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Journaling is a powerful tool that can help you process your thoughts and emotions, set and track goals, and even <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/" title="journaling ">improve your mental and physical health</a>.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">There are many <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/many-cognitive-benefits-journaling" title="journaling ">cognitive benefits of journaling</a>. Though journaling is a personal activity, making your writings coherent and grammar-checked can allow your family or offspring to read your work and establish your legacy after you're gone. So making your writing readable is critical!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">We’ve compiled seven crucial tips to help you get the most out of your journaling practice.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Make it a Daily Habit </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Consistency is vital in journaling, so try to make it a daily practice. Set aside a specific time each day to write in your journal, and stick to it as much as possible. This will not only help you develop the habit but also give you a regular opportunity to reflect on your experiences and emotions.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">In one study, expressive writing (like journaling) for only <a href="https://mic.com/articles/110662/science-shows-something-surprising-about-people-who-still-journal#.n0QO5ApTN" title="journaling ">15 to 20 minutes a day three to five times</a> over four months was enough to lower blood pressure and improve liver functionality! </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://app.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> helps you maintain a regular journaling practice by generating ideas for your entries and setting reminders and goals to help you stay on track.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Write Freely and Without Judgment </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">When journaling, it's essential to let go of judgments or self-censorship. Worry about grammar after! For now, let your thoughts and emotions flow onto the page. This will help you to be honest and open with yourself and make the process more therapeutic. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://app.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> offers several unique features that make it perfect for exploring and expressing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. You can connect and share your stories, providing a supportive and understanding audience for your journaling. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Be Specific and Detailed</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Be as specific and detailed as possible to get the most out of your journaling. Instead of just writing that you're "feeling stressed," try to identify what is causing that stress and how it affects you. This will help you better understand your emotions and experiences and make it easier to identify patterns and make positive changes.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">A study of nearly 100 young adults was asked to spend 15 minutes journaling, drawing about a distressing experience, or writing about their day’s plans twice a week. People who journaled experienced the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455605000699?via%3Dihub" title="Journaling ">most significant reduction in symptoms such as despair, anxiety, and aggression</a>, especially if they were already upset.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Use Prompts to Get Started</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">If you're having trouble getting started, try using prompts to kick-start your writing. These can be questions or even words that inspire you to write. <a href="https://app.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> has endless prompts for you, such as: </b></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What has surprised you in life? </b></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Who have you looked up to over the years, and why? </b></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What are some memorable moments from this year? </b></p>
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<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">What did you do on your very first date with your spouse? </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Reflect on Your Writing</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Once you've finished writing, take a few moments to reflect on what you've written. What insights did you gain? What patterns did you notice? What emotions or experiences stood out to you? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">By taking the time to reflect on your writing, you'll be able to understand yourself and your adventures better, and you'll be able to identify areas where you can make positive changes. For example, a study found that students and faculty found reflective journaling to <a href="https://journals.healio.com/doi/10.3928/01484834-20160114-08" title="journaling ">help develop critical thinking skills</a>. </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Experiment with Different Formats</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Journaling doesn't have to be limited to writing in a traditional notebook – you can try many different formats. Some people prefer a journaling app on their phone or computer, while others prefer a journaling kit with prompts and exercises. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">My Stories Matter offers you variety to find your perfect fit when journaling. Have the ability to organize your entries in Collections. Or, try one of our limited edition Writing Challenges that focus on a theme or aspect of journaling.  </b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Keep Your Journal Private </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693">Your journal is a personal space where you can be sincere and open with yourself. Don’t share it with others unless you feel comfortable doing so! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://app.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">My Stories Matter</a> places a strong emphasis on privacy. Unlike other social media apps, you can control who can see your entries, including setting them as private or sharing them with select individuals or groups. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-28a2e2b5-7fff-78cf-d5d0-ad795bd07693"><a href="https://app.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="Journaling ">Start journaling</a> today! </b></p>


7 Must-Have Tips on Journaling 

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<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Recording vacation stories is a great way to preserve the memories of your trip for years to come. Not only can sharing these stories with friends and family be a fun way to relive the experience, but they can also serve as a valuable record of your travels. With the help of <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="my stories matter">My Stories Matter</a>, it's easy to collaborate with others to create a comprehensive vacation record.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">One of the main reasons to record your vacation stories is to capture the unique experiences and moments you might otherwise forget. As time goes on, it can be easy to forget the little details of your adventures. Plus, sharing these stories with friends and family can be a great way to bond and bring everyone together, especially if you cannot take a trip together in person.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Read on for simple tips to make recording your vacation stories more enjoyable!</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Start as Soon as Possible</b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Right when you return from your trip, take some time to sit down and write out your memories while they're still fresh in your mind. This will not only make the writing process more manageable, but it will also help to capture the details and emotions of your experiences more authentically.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Collaborate on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">My Stories Matter’s collaboration features allow you to easily share your stories with others and work together to create a comprehensive trip record. This is especially helpful if you're traveling with a group and want to ensure everyone's memories are included. By collaborating, you can create a richer and more complete record of your vacation.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Capture Your Experiences </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Photos, videos, and audio recordings can all add depth and richness to your stories and make them even more enjoyable to revisit in the future. For example, you might include a video of a beautiful sunset you saw on your trip or an audio recording of a local band you heard while exploring a new city.</b></p>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">Create a Scrapbook </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-5b2ea21f-7fff-ec9d-9307-da6e80b36b26">You could create a physical scrapbook or photo album on your coffee table or use a digital platform like My Stories Matter to create an online scrapbook that you can share with others. You could even publish your stories in a blog or social media to share your experiences with a broader audience.</b></p>


Tips for Recording Your Vacation Stories

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<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">Our views change as we gain experience, and old memories vanish as new ones replace them. Wouldn't it be nice if you could write down your memories immediately so you can hand them down to future generations? </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">In February 2010, scientist <a href="https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20191202-can-lifelogging-really-help-you-live-more-intensely" title="record your life">Morris Villarroel</a> did just that. He began his ambitious 10-year experiment of keeping a record of his life.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">"Wouldn't it be helpful to have a more thorough and tangible record of my life?" He thought. That way, he would benefit from remembering more of his history and how to make the most of his remaining time and live more purposefully.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">So he began taking notes about his whereabouts and activities throughout the day. Thanks to the reflections he recorded about his professional experiences, such as teaching classes and lecturing at conferences, he found he could gain more from those experiences. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">Significant evidence shows that keeping a diary may <a href="https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/learning-by-thinking-how-reflection-improves-performance" title="record your life">improve happiness and life satisfaction. </a> For instance, researchers examined a group of participants and discovered that <a href="https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/learning-by-thinking-how-reflection-improves-performance" title="Record your life">keeping a daily notebook for only 10 minutes increased their performance by more than 20%</a>!</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-91b3bdc9-7fff-cdea-d713-d59b69223106">Here are four reasons to record your life, whether in an <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/how-write-autobiography" title="record your life">autobiography</a>, journaling, or simply <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/how-relive-memory" title="record your life">saving your memories</a>.</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-c0302f47-7fff-ffc6-67fa-5fe81222f16e">Leave a Legacy</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c0302f47-7fff-ffc6-67fa-5fe81222f16e">In today’s fast-paced world, there never seems to be enough time to sit down with family and share stories about your upbringing, childhood years, or the life lessons you’ve accumulated. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c0302f47-7fff-ffc6-67fa-5fe81222f16e">But by<a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/how-write-your-legacy-story" title="record your life"> recording your life story</a>, you'll help future generations better understand their origins. You can make it possible for them to know who you were, your life, and the moments that formed you. And you can impart your wisdom to make their lives easier.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-c0302f47-7fff-ffc6-67fa-5fe81222f16e">A future great-grandchild might identify with your story or find inspiration that could change their life!</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">Exercise Your Mind</b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">Losing one’s memory is a common concern of people as they age. Exercising one’s mind is just as crucial as exercising one’s body. “Use it or lose it,” as the saying goes. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">Did you know that memoirs written by ordinary people, not celebrities, are the fast-growing genre of publishing today? Those authors are people, just like you. You have more to write about than you realize.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">You might think, “I’m not a writer,” or “I don’t know what to write about.” However, you don’t need to be a “gifted” writer to record your life. Your children and grandchildren will only care about “what” you wrote, not “how.”</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">There are many ways to find inspiration! <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="record your life">My Stories Matter</a> has over a thousand prompts and cultural cues to trigger your memory and inspire writing. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-22ef4a54-7fff-58b1-c701-9cca02923ada">You can also upload your photos and bring them to life by telling the stories behind them!  <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/5-best-tips-capturing-life-stories" title="record your life">Tap into the ways</a> to record your life that suit you. </b></p>
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="4" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-07T220153.127.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1695858247&amp;Signature=AUVm8z7KeZ%2FNVklGuBYsHExb6rbyTpWXJUyz%2FGofLtpSQf9wcTre7LCFcFlBr%2FaGdf3gDHomCYTj7PMaUt%2BAJtuVvEEVvR8p7Os3pxAGXrMw3NQj8iYFKp9LTEbmORo30G3UXcWUmADQIXBp2OPZikTw6HxaJf5wOQYbTeQ07t5DgZPZMt7R2t1q0pXbU4nPuGjRx0lGffCPqPN%2FdQb1l8NrZanx7WIH55e43D%2FfboKa20FZSgXpauKchWTkNPUBQKk93RAOejTKT6ZIyDgvh3b82m8ZpidIJmuln6kHFjclbHm8rph0uptAWRm96BMqQpQgaV2B1IiayN5GMNmL0g%3D%3D" alt="Woman walking on a bed of tulips" />  </div>

  
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<p> </p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-ac687ae6-7fff-869c-aa24-6b70551be1e4">Raise Self-Awareness </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ac687ae6-7fff-869c-aa24-6b70551be1e4">Self-awareness focuses on how you feel, act, and think. It all comes down to being aware of your psychological triggers and recurring behaviors.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-ac687ae6-7fff-869c-aa24-6b70551be1e4">Increasing self-awareness may promote empathy for others, acceptance, and new perspectives on life. A popular method to increase self-awareness is journaling or self-reflective writing. Making a timeline and looking back on your past experiences can help you to obtain fresh insight or healing.</b></p>
<p> </p>
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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="5" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-07T220421.421.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1695858247&amp;Signature=BrbMKKp9BZPbA71mv%2FDCPLUkrZWD1GghSi9Rtvv03vKaKZdv%2BHDQkGysFCr3tqs79NQpVYhgGvnH4MBvqGuH1Y7PGrxRh%2Fcqjx51fADHNGZZj2%2BvNX%2FzYSrYcqsH0OtAyjvrZ4HeFHSYdWXoFgPY8zKfOAprhloRvKJhoW0M8GG5fRzBHNkgQsmKxwMb183sM73RB08UsKXSYYTmv4KdfRjPSkCDIGvW%2F2ASOsP3RCzZjjMbG3EpO8KVew%2FqTwkmzH35E3VmlcC0z4coqfSxMhueBNQZZQUjD7cq6KcY1Lj3UOU29i0I9sRiYOjA5Gw%2F1EA%2F5r%2FXCAjc987K%2BQNjyQ%3D%3D" alt="A man playing with his dog" />  </div>

  
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<h2 dir="ltr"> </h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-056883ee-7fff-974f-b081-0738fdefe04b">Preserve your Family History </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-056883ee-7fff-974f-b081-0738fdefe04b">Have you ever wondered where your talents, disposition, likes, and dislikes originate? You might uncover that information when you <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/sharing-memories-5-unique-ways-you-havent-thought" title="record your life">share your life stories with family members</a>. When you recollect the details and images of your loved ones, you may learn a lot about yourself. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-056883ee-7fff-974f-b081-0738fdefe04b">What would life be like without those detours? These distinctions make a great story. That embarrassing childhood moment is now precious. <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/5-tips-collecting-family-stories" title="record your life">Preserve your family history and pass on</a> the highs, lows, and in-between. </b></p>
<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18758" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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    <img class="media-element file-default" data-delta="6" typeof="foaf:Image" src="http://cueback-com.storage.googleapis.com/cueback/blog_editor_media/resized-image-Promo%20-%202022-11-07T220548.415.jpeg?GoogleAccessId=298180869348-compute@developer.gserviceaccount.com&amp;Expires=1695858247&amp;Signature=XQtL3Lo%2FbOtSjf33WwBFsqsKTnw1ufMxwX0hMJabg8ciXXI9E%2Fw04ad3MTxUVpkC%2BJtLE4lZn7e3qCuoZVoLAb02wVR3PPD07S8UpZYRr7LWHTeNI4rxR188JcU9O8dW2Zaz9Wm75goN238ZebDy%2F4%2BW15UnXWSXhQvdEvt4iSt0DexnIJ9esa7wD1P2mfAnBu2A4vwNeMClge9C0XFfeQjHEbcaQ%2FvyRtogkiqP2yl%2F%2FtPMFrMDr46MziLXjTblmiuYL7LjlxzHQ4rcorqIg71rk%2BVM9O8okpWcpu1WRln3kozMBgUlcZhTFqXLx%2BuYTMyQTDClnl%2B6zztKCH6k%2Fw%3D%3D" alt="Group of people enjoying music" />  </div>

  
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<p> </p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Record your Life on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">My Stories Matter has thousands of prompts and cultural cues to help you record your life. You can: </b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Add voice recordings of a loved one for posterity </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Tell the stories behind your family photos </b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Upload your old black-and-white photos and see them automatically colorized</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">Create a lasting legacy </b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-92818c7f-7fff-1ca9-383e-be9f8eaff8a8">You can easily record the memories of your life and your loved ones. Your children, and their children, will thank you.</b></p>


4 Reasons to Record Your Life

<p></p><div class="media media-element-container media-default media-wysiwyg-align-center"><div id="file-18667" class="file file-image file-image-jpeg">

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<p> </p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Why is keeping a journal so beneficial?</b></p>

<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling improves a person's general quality of life and mental and physical health. Not only that, you’ll eternally have a record of your life that you can always look back on and never feel judged for expressing yourself. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">If you’re new to journaling, you’ve come to the right place.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In this post, we'll look at five science-backed advantages of journaling. Let’s dive in!</b></p>
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</div></h2>
<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Eases Anxiety </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Many people struggle with anxiety. If you’re one of them, take up journaling! Keeping a journal is a good stress management strategy. After all, emotion-focused writing is connected <a href="https://mental.jmir.org/2018/4/e11290/" title="journaling ">with lower mental discomfort and greater well-being</a>.  </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In a study with 70 people with high anxiety levels, writing online for 12 weeks <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6305886/" title="journaling ">dramatically lessened</a> their mental anguish. In addition, patients, families, and medical staff from a children’s hospital reported feeling<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6907914/" title="journaling "> less stressed</a> after performing the following journaling exercise:</b></p>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing three things they are grateful for</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing the story of their life in six words</b></p>
</li>
<li aria-level="1" dir="ltr">
<p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Writing three wishes they had</b></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Go ahead - try that exercise for yourself!</b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Helps with Past Trauma </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">When a loved one has passed away, keeping a <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/8-creative-ways-keep-memory-loved-one-alive" title="journaling ">journal may help you grieve healthily</a>. You have the privacy to work through your feelings and maintain some form of communication with your loved one. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling can aid in reducing the psychological anguish we experience in response to trauma. For example, people who journaled for 15 minutes each day reported <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0197455605000699?via%3Dihub" title="journaling ">feeling less depressed, anxious, or hostile</a>. </b></p>
<p><b>Even those who struggle with severe illnesses benefit from journaling! Those with post-traumatic stress disorder engaging in expressive writing exercises experienced their moods </b><b id="docs-internal-guid-65c9fffe-7fff-d740-0ab0-cfac7d8e6d05"><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18230238/" title="journaling ">significantly improving and their stress hormone reactions to painful memories decreasing.</a> </b> </p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Decreases Depression </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Depression is nothing to be ashamed of; globally, <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression" title="journaling ">5% of adults suffer from depression</a>. However, the natural remedy of journaling helps ease depression. Journaling can be as helpful as cognitive-behavioral therapy in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17007812/" title="journaling ">lowering the risk of depression</a> in young people. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Did you know that when people with severe depressive illnesses wrote for 20 minutes each day for three days about their most intense thoughts and feelings related to an emotional experience, their depression ratings <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23790815/" title="journaling ">significantly decreased</a>?</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In addition, students who journaled about their most intense emotions the month before a major exam experienced <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9364758/" title="journaling ">fewer depressive symptoms</a> since they didn't focus as much on intrusive thoughts. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Increases Gratitude </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Listing your blessings has become more popular over the past several years. But there’s truth to it! Journaling <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10447-017-9289-8" title="journaling ">encourages thankfulness</a> - of all things! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In one study, journaling weekly was <a href="https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/pdfs/GratitudePDFs/6Emmons-BlessingsBurdens.pdf" title="journaling ">linked to more pronounced increases in general optimism</a>. </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Try a Gratitude Journal! Every night, set aside five minutes to jot down the three things you are most thankful for. They don't need anything big or significant; they can be as simple as the rain on your windowsill or your favorite cup of coffee. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journaling Sharpens Your Memory </b></h2>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Is there a particular event you don’t want to forget? Such as hiking through the Himalayas, that Sunday picnic, or a family reunion? Your first kiss? </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/sharing-memories-5-unique-ways-you-havent-thought" title="journaling ">Keeping a journal helps enhance your working memory. </a></b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">In one study, first-year college students who wrote down their thoughts and feelings had <a href="https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2001-18060-012" title="journaling ">less intrusive and avoidant thoughts during the day</a>, which allowed more space for remembering. Similarly, college-bound teenagers who wrote in-depth about their feelings and ideas regarding college showed <a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/sep01/keepdiary" title="journaling ">improved short-term memory and academic performance</a>. </b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">When you journal, those precious memories never have to fade; you can <a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/blog/how-relive-memory" title="journaling ">relive them over and over</a>. </b></p>
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<h2 dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Journal on My Stories Matter </b></h2>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Start the journal you've always wanted! </b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">You can create a virtual backup of your essential work so that you may view, modify, and download it whenever you choose and group your journal entries into Collections.</b></p>
<p><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e">Unlike other social media apps, your private journal entries are only visible to you. However, you can also choose to share specific entries with friends.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><b id="docs-internal-guid-36e8c09b-7fff-ddd2-c02e-12e724e3431e"><a href="https://www.mystoriesmatter.com/" title="journaling ">Sign up for free</a> and begin journaling today! </b></p>


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