Over the years, I made multiple attempts to start journaling. All failed…until I radically changed my approach.
The benefits of journaling
It is well known that journaling can have a positive impact on multiple levels. According to Karen A. Baikie & Kay Wilhelm, ‘expressive writing’ has a number of positive mental and physical health outcomes, ranging from a better-functioning immune system, reduced blood pressure, and improved liver function, to improved working memory, better sporting performance, and a feeling of greater psychological well-being.
Some scientists even claim that the development of a drug that would result in medium effect sizes comparable to that of expressive writing ‘would be regarded as a major medical advance’.
The reasons why I wanted to start journaling were that I believe in the concept of solving issues and processing experiences through writing about them, and the fact that I enjoy writing.
Failed attempts
Despite periods of several months in my life where I consistently journaled, I did not stick with it. The reasons were twofold.
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Dirk Verburg 