Writing for wellbeing

A bit of creative writing never hurt nobody.

I hope you’ve made the plunge. I hope you have chosen to write. To be a writer is easy. Take pen to paper, create a new word doc or type some nonsense into your notes app. Anyone can be a writer, and everyone should be, in some form. Small acts of creative writing, journaling, poetry, are all proven self-care rituals, and can improve mental wellbeing, as well as serve as a rich creative outlet. Throw away the self-doubt, try not to be judgmental, choose to write for yourself. Your mind (and your work) will be better for it.

Writing creates a space for emotional release. When you write, you are exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Even fictional narratives reveal personal conflicts. Writing about relationships can help you navigate your own, and putting words to emotions provides clarity on personal experiences. This act of emotional expression can promote a sense of inner peace and healing. When crafting narratives, you gain insights into your own values and perspectives. Often I read my old work, my personal state at the time of writing shines through the piece, even if the copy is not related to myself. It helps me to understand who I am, and often stirs self-reflection.

Writing also stimulates imagination and creativity, nurturing a sense of curiosity and playfulness. It encourages individuals to think outside the box, explore new ideas, and engage in divergent thinking. All forms of art, including writing are proven to boost mood and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Here’s a tip — brew yourself a tea, find some sun (if you can), and locate your writing implements. Just 10 minutes of creative writing, journaling, even a paragraph of describing the environment around you, can increase self-efficacy and confidence.

When you start writing, you start to look. You will see more than you think. Take notice of the world around you. Writing asks you to gaze, observing the character of people, seeing the details in a change of season or the dynamic at the family dinner table on Sundays. You will develop a deeper understanding of your environment. Writing will push you to ask questions, get out of your comfort zone and tackle difficult or unknown waters from the comfort of your own desk.