Ever since I was a child, I've found a world of my own in writing. Whether it was scribbling prescriptions, writing in a notebook or writing funny stories that made my family question if I wanted to become a writing clown, writing has always been a constant companion. Let’s delve today in some of the questions one might have in relation to writing for wellbeing.
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How does writing contribute to my wellbeing?
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There are a few ways that writing can promote wellbeing. One is by using writing as a tool to process and release negative emotions like anxiety and stress. By writing about these feelings, we can gain a better understanding of ourselves and our internal dialogue. Another aspect of writing for wellbeing is the creative process itself. The act of creating, whether it's a poem, a novel, or a personal essay, can be incredibly rewarding. When we're immersed in the creative process, we often enter a state of flow, where we lose track of time and become fully absorbed in the task at hand. This sense of flow can be a powerful tool for reducing stress and promoting mental clarity.
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I like writing sometimes, but I feel if I don’t write every day, should I start?
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Many people find it challenging to write regularly. While daily writing can be fulfilling, writing whenever you can is always preferable to not writing at all. Write when you feel inspired and able and try not to be too hard on yourself for the times you don't write. We all have good days and bad days, moments of inspiration and moments of doubt, and that's perfectly normal. The rules we place on ourselves can stifle our creativity and expression, hindering our ability to share our thoughts and feelings. Start writing when you feel the words are urging you, whether you're sad, hurt, joyful, or in love. Write whenever you feel inspired and let that be your only rule.
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I often worry about the quality of my writing and the language I use.
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Writing and creative writing for wellbeing prioritise emotional release and expression. We can write freely, without worrying about spelling or grammar, allowing our thoughts to flow naturally. We can write in any language we feel comfortable with at that moment in time. Our writing may feel unstructured, and that's perfectly fine. You can journal, free writing, or use creative writing exercises. The most important thing is to let our thoughts flow and find expression outside of ourselves.
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What if someone discovers my writings and reads them?
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This is why I created Grafto, privacy is essential when we write. Our emotions are personal, and we should have the freedom to decide how and when to share them with others. Moreover, emotions are fleeting reactions to specific moments, and while it can be beneficial to write about them, it might not always be best to share them, as they could potentially hurt others. Once we download our thoughts, we can make informed decisions about what to share and how to communicate them constructively, both for ourselves and those around us.
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What happens if I get overwhelmed or sad when I write?
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It's completely normal to feel overwhelmed or sad when writing about painful experiences. Take as many breaks as you need and return to writing when you feel ready. Growth isn't always linear, and it's okay to experience periods of pain as we explore our emotions. Sometimes, we need to feel bad before we can feel good again. By exploring our emotions through writing, we can work towards healing and a more optimistic outlook. If it becomes too intense, please reach out to a professional for the support you need.
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How is this working if I go to therapy?
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Writing for wellbeing isn't a replacement for therapy, but it can complement your healing journey. You can use writing between therapy sessions to gain a deeper understanding of yourself. Build upon the insights gained in therapy and explore your experiences further to solidify your self-awareness.
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How can I find the time to write, amidst the demands of daily life?
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I believe the real question is how we can afford not to write. Our emotions need a release, and our thoughts can create repetitive patterns that sometimes harm our wellbeing. By examining our thoughts more objectively after writing, we can make better decisions for ourselves. Even just five minutes of writing each day can significantly improve our wellbeing.
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The benefits of writing are not only in the present moment, over time, regular writing can lead to improved self-awareness, increased resilience, and enhanced creativity. Ready to write for your wellbeing? Head over to Grafto to explore our writing prompts.
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