Writing Therapy

If you are experiencing emotional problems like stress, depression, anger and anxiety and are seeking relief from them, consider writing therapy. Therapeutic writing can very beneficial for you and your overall emotional health and it can help you release your frustrations and pent up feelings. At the very least it can target key areas of stress and do something constructive about it. Writing always gives you a sense of relief and release, especially when you can’t talk about the issues and problems directly with someone. Writing down exactly how you feel can put things in perspective and clear your mind and your heart.

Write about everything that is stressing you or write about all of your problems. Write exactly how you feel, and what you would want to say if you could. Use foul language, and crude comments or whatever you like. Write whatever comes into your mind, no matter how disturbing or strange it may seem. This is for your eyes only and nobody needs to see it, so write as honestly and openly as you like.

After writing things down, you can then choose to destroy it, especially if it’s something that is really bothering you. The mere act of destroying it can give a physical sense of relief, so rip it up, tear it apart and stomp on it if you like. Do anything to get the frustration out. You can even burn the paper or throw it away afterwards.

After you are done writing what bothers you, then start writing about things that will make you feel calm and relax. Write about things that give you joy and pleasure, and make you feel good about yourself and life. You can make a list of things that make you smile and stating why for each one. Write ten good things that you like about yourself and hang it up someplace where you’ll see it often. This can always serve as a pleasant reminder for whenever you feel down and depressed again.

1. Select a time when you are not going to be interrupted to have your writing time. Schedule it into your calendar or daily planner to ensure you leave that time period free for you to write. You can plan to write for five, ten, thirty minutes or for an hour, once a week. Start with whatever you feel the most comfortable with.

2. Find someplace where you feel calm and can write. Choosing a space just for you to write is important so you won’t be distracted by noise or people. You can also designate a special place for your writing sessions, like going to the beach, a lake or your favorite café.

3. Listen to music while you write. This always helps and inspires me the most. I sometimes create mini soundtracks for certain writing projects. You can do the same or listen to whatever puts you in a creative mood.

4. Collect your materials and make sure you have a good journal and writing pen. Select something nice for you here because that way you can feel good about your writing time.

5. Have fun with your writing and allow it to help release your emotions and pent up feelings. If you can, pick a day where all you do is write. Don’t feel pressured about doing it either or else it won’t help. Remember this is to help you relax and rid you of stress and frustrations.

Writing and art help you to connect with your creative side and provide you a distraction from whatever stresses you as well. Whenever you feel overly stressed by anything, pick up a pen and paper and write. Writing can also help put things in a different perspective and re-examine your issues.