Can You Write Your Way Out of an Emotional Funk?

A month ago I came across an article on Facebook called You Can Write Your Way Out of an Emotional Funk. Here's How. by Dr. Susan David (an excerpt from her book, Emotional Agility). I thought it was an interesting article. How many times have you found yourself in a "funk" and not feeling like yourself? It happens to the best of us! The article got me thinking, people used to write in diaries or journal. Now a lot of society is too busy worrying about how they look on social media than about their emotional well being. The writing we do on a daily basis probably consists of emails, texts, social media status/photo captions, a few research projects, proposals, etc. None of that focuses on yourself or emotions.

The article explains the results of studies conducted by James Pennebaker, a professor at the University of Texas.

"In each study, Pennebaker found that the people who wrote about emotionally charged episodes experienced marked improvement in their physical and mental well-being. They were happier, less depressed and less anxious. In the months after the writing sessions, they had lower blood pressure, improved immune function, and fewer visits to the doctor. They also reported better relationships, improved memory, and more success at work."

In a way, this blog has served as a outlet for me to share. Though I don't write much about personal things or struggles I face, the writing process allows me to be creative. After my dad died in 2011 I found it was extremely difficult to share my thoughts and emotions. I was used to putting on a brave face and bottling up all emotions. There wasn't anyone at that time in my life to fully comprehend my feelings so I would often compose emails to myself, essentially journaling how I felt, what I was thinking, the emotions I faced after losing him. It made it a little easier to face.

Now, when I face things like sadness or stress I write about it. It helps me, why not give it a try?

Until next post...xoxo Becca

p.s. If you experience a lot of stress, watch Kelly McGonigal's TED Talk How to make stress your friend.