Journaling/ writing | Photo by Arden Reimer | The Wright State Guardian
Stress can hinder lives mentally, physically and emotionally, especially for college students. Journaling is an effective way to release stress and put thoughts out of a student’s brain and onto a page.
How to journal
There is one rule about journaling: there are no rules. Journaling is a way to write and describe every feeling, emotion and thought people may have in their day-to-day life without the constraints of rules or tactics.
Anyone can journal; all it takes is a pen, paper and those itching thoughts transferred to the page. A journal is not even necessary, as a notebook or any available empty paper can do. It can be as messy or organized as one desires. The more things that are written down and taken from that stress-piled brain, the more alleviated students can become.
“One of the most effective ways to reduce stress with journaling is to write in detail about feelings and thoughts related to stressful events, as one would discuss topics in therapy, and brainstorm solutions,” according to Dr. Elizabeth Scott in a Very Well Mind article.
Essentially, there is no right or wrong way to journal. It happens whenever, wherever and has no constraints on information, thoughts or ideas.
Benefits
There is a long list of benefits that come with journaling. Benefits will more than likely catch the eyes of students who are in dire need of stress relief.
For students who find other ways of stress relief such as exercise, meditation or yoga unappealing, journaling may be that needle in the haystack.
“Journaling allows people to clarify their thoughts and feelings, thereby gaining valuable self-knowledge. It’s also a good problem-solving tool; oftentimes, one can hash out a problem and come up with solutions more easily on paper,” Scott said in the article.
It is difficult to decipher those thoughts and feelings when they are stuck and tumbling around in someone's head. Letting them out in an easily obtainable way aids the processes of understanding and being able to get past the stress and intrusive thoughts.
According to Scott, journaling can decrease an assortment of symptoms related to health conditions, while improving one's cognitive functioning, strengthening the immune system and counteracting the many effects of stress.
Journaling is a simple way to get out of a cluttered head and expel all of those unwanted thoughts, feelings and pent-up emotions that arise throughout a stressful day.
Wright State University students seeking professional mental health help may contact Counseling and Wellness at 937-775-3407 and or the 24 hour call line Raider Cares at 937-775-4567. Staff and faculty seeking services may contact the Employee Assistance Program, a division of human resources, at (800) 227-6007.
