Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be very helpful in coming to terms with yourself.
At Health First Behavioral Wellness, we know that small changes in behavior can have a big impact on your outlook.
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – Behavioral Wellness at Health First provides mental health support from early adulthood with certified therapists in an intimate group setting; in a one-on-one interviewtoo.
As in other areas of the health care system, we often rely on medications to produce measurable positive results, but we talk at least as much about perspective-changing behavior changes that improve well-being. I am.
One of the things we tell many of our clients is: write more.
“I do not have You may be thinking, “I’m a writer.”
I’m not even! But not all sentences are long or creative. When I say “write,” I mean records, lists, and even sketches. Pick up a pen or pencil and take a time-out, or better yet, time. in.
Writing or taking notes of your thoughts and feelings can be very helpful in coming to terms with yourself.
journaling
Journaling has been shown to be a great tool for tackling problems, as well as helping people solve them.as One writer said this“Writing is thinking, but it is thought slowed down…until otherwise invisible dimensions and nuances emerge.”
I’m more of a meditation and prayer person, and there’s a lot of research to back that up. benefits of writing. One of the great things about writing, or simply visualizing your desired future, is that it can help guide you down the path to success and motivate you to achieve your end goals.
It’s also a great way to help someone see how far they’ve come. For some, writing is a path to healing and helps with self-discovery.
write down the victories
I love the idea of creating a “wins” list. Victories can be as big as getting through the day without picking up bad habits or as small as getting dressed, depending on the situation.
When I was doing a group session, I had my clients take a small piece of paper, write “win” on it, and put it in a box. Then, if they were having a hard day, they would pick me up with water from a container.
The habit of noticing successes big and small Very meaningful and motivating.
thanks
There are multiple reasons to practice gratitude, including creating positive emotions while reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Oh, and it makes our world a better place!
One of the most common forms of practicing gratitude is through writing. Focusing on what you’re grateful for and writing it down will give you something concrete to look back on later.
Being grateful can be as simple as waking up in the morning and feeling the cool breeze on your skin. It doesn’t have to be a favor or a bit of good fortune that someone did for us. Gratitude journaling is often a gateway to more focused writing and can help you get started.
reach out to others
Not all writing is inward. I am old enough to remember to write a letter. I remember “passing notes” around school, as well as the occasional letter from a distant grandparent or aunt.
Whether it arrived in your mailbox or on your desk, a note was always a little special. I can’t believe someone took the time to make something like this! The person spent some time quietly thinking. Afterwards, I spent some quiet time listening intently. I feel nostalgic today.
Written this way, the technical terminology becomes: epistolary styleor a letter – both a practice of mindfulness and communication, both of which have shown positive results To reduce depression and anxiety.
Writing and sketching as physical practice
Finally, the physical act of writing can be very calming and therapeutic, and this applies to sketching as well. Staying physically focused and mentally focused on repetitive tasks like this creates a healthy detachment from running thoughts, even if the subject is running-related thoughts.
Behavioral Wellness at Health First has resources to support you on your journey Improved mental health and well-being. Multiple levels of care are available depending on where you are.
For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our clinicians, please call 321.434.7604 or visit: HF.org/BehavioralWellness You can learn more.
About the author: DeAnn Collins is a licensed clinical social worker and Manager of Behavioral Wellness at Health First, where she oversees intensive outpatient programs, therapeutic services, and collaborative care management. She specializes in the mental health needs and treatment of older adults. She is committed to a daily mindfulness practice, is an avid animal lover, and is sometimes spotted in the “wild” at Disney theme parks with her daughter and friends. .
