Bottling up your emotions isn’t just dangerous for your mind, it can also introduce risks to your physical health. According to the American Heart Association, stress and anxiety can lead to an increase in blood pressure, making strokes and heart attacks more likely. So how do you get rid of stressful trains of thought that you can’t seem to let go of? It turns out that writing can be cathartic. Blogging takes the relief to a new level, giving you the chance to engage with others who share the same struggles and concerns.
Journal Regularly
Getting your feelings out onto paper seems to have a greater effect on reducing stress levels if you are able to commit thoughts to paper on a regular basis, and then share them with a support group. You don’t need to journal every day, but you’ll certainly want to set aside a portion of time on a weekly basis at the very least. You can set a timer, so that you aren’t dwelling on unpleasant thoughts for too long, or you can get situated in a relaxing area with some tea and casually meander through your recent feelings, thoughts, and concerns. Some people enjoy writing their thoughts on paper, while others like to tap words into a smartphone or dictate notes for later use. Honestly, there is no one right way to do this. Choose the technique and medium that works best for you.
Don’t Focus on the Negative
Try to keep your journaling balanced as much as possible. Once you vent out your frustrations, try to take inventory of the things that are going well in your life. This can help you avoid a phenomenon called co-rumination, where you can actually increase the risk of depression by constantly dwelling on negative aspects of your life. Another risk is negativity bias, where a person loses site of potential positive outcomes and can only predict negative ones. These mindsets can dramatically influence your life and how you act in response to stimuli. You want to avoid getting trapped in these psychological loops.
Blogging can help you get a load off your mind, as you connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. You don’t even need to share these posts with the public – private blogs can be just as cathartic, allowing you to vent through your pen or word processor. Be sure to ask a doctor for help if you feel like stress and anxiety are negatively impacting your health.
