Ever since I was little, I have always loved storytelling, but it wasn’t until years later that I thought of putting my thoughts down on paper. It was even later that I realized writing could be a powerful tool for managing my emotions and mental health.
In eighth grade, I went to a boarding school in India to immerse myself more deeply in my culture. While in the long run, it was an exciting and enriching experience, there were many challenges as well. As someone who was born and raised in the United States, it was really tough for me to adjust to a place so far from home. Everyone already seemed to have common interests and likings as they had all grown up in India. I felt like the odd one out.
Feeling isolated at times and without any friends, I decided to start journaling. I thought that I could use my passion for writing to help me manage and express my feelings. The practice of a more spiritual yoga that was mandatory at my school also greatly helped, but I'll reserve that for another story. At first, it felt strange to put my innermost thoughts on paper. Soon, I discovered that writing provided a much-needed outlet for my emotions. Whenever I felt sad or anxious, I turned to my journal. Writing helped me process my feelings, distinguish between different emotions, and helped me gain more clarity, making them more manageable.
If you’re considering starting a journaling practice, which I really recommend, here are a few tips that helped me get started:
Find a comfortable space: Choose a quiet and comfortable space where you can write without distractions.
Set a regular time: Especially in the beginning, dedicate a specific time each day or week for journaling. Consistency helps in building a habit.
Start with a prompt: If you’re unsure what to write about, start with a prompt or simply write about your day so far. For example, “Today, I feel…” , or “Something that’s been on my mind is…”.
Be honest: Your journal is a safe space. Write honestly about your thoughts and feelings without worrying about grammar or spelling.
Reflect on your entries: Occasionally, read back through your entries to see how you’ve grown or to gain new insights.
Poetry, with its rhythmic flow and creative freedom, has also been an important part of my self-awareness journey. When journaling didn’t seem sufficient, poetry allowed me to express myself in a way that felt more profound. Writing poems about my struggles and triumphs has been really helpful in giving me a fresh perspective on my experiences, often bringing me a sense of understanding.
One of the greatest benefits of writing is its ability to reduce stress. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I take a few minutes to put down my thoughts. This simple act of transferring my worries onto paper somehow makes them feel less daunting. It’s as if writing down my problems makes them seem less terrifying than they actually are.
Writing has taught me the importance of self-reflection and self-expression. It has been my constant companion, helping me handle the ups and downs of life. Whether through journaling or poetry, writing continues to be a powerful tool for maintaining my mental well-being.
If you haven’t tried it yet, I encourage you to pick up a pen and start writing. It doesn’t matter if you’re not the best at it, but you might be surprised by how much better you feel when you take the first step.