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How to heal through life writing | Psyche Guides

Journal Writing As Healing

Expressive writing, or daily journaling of life events, feelings, emotions and thoughts, is a kind of therapy that improves our mental health, as we do not let life pile up, giving it space, distance and shape while reflecting on it. It acts as a vent to our sadness and deep-rooted pain, providing acceptance, and eventually healing.

Life writing can be a diary, journal, oral testimony, memoir or an autobiography, though personal essays or memoirs prove to be the most therapeutic.

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Expressive writing

Expressive writing is writing for the purpose of putting your own thoughts and feelings into words and it can be a powerful way to enhance overall wellbeing.

It focuses on ...

Expressive writing activities
  • Try Journaling: Putting words to our emotions often helps us understand them in a new way, and process them more effectively.
  • Schedule writing into your routine: e.g. Morning pages.
  • Find inspiration in music: Put on a random playlist and transcribe the images, memories and emotions that the music evokes for you.
  • Practice letter writing: Unspoken thoughts or feelings can feel like a heavy burden to carry. Consider putting these sentiments into a letter.
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