Benefits of Journal Writing

There are 6 main benefits of journal writing that I found in mylife. 

I know that replacing a binge with journal writing is very hard in the beginning.  But after that moment passes... its almost euphoric.  It gives me a sense of accomplishment and release.  It has become a way to give myself the support and love I need.

After a binge I always felt horrible.  I just wanted to cry. I would feel physically ill and emotionally drained.  After I decided to replace emotional eating with journal writing things began to change.

I haven't been perfect... it has been a slow process. But each time I chose to write instead of eating; I became stronger.

The 6 Benefits of Journal Writing

1. Stress Relief:  writing about your thoughts, or stressful situations can actually melt the stress away.  If you don't put it on paper then where does it go?  Your mind or body; causing real emotional and/or physical pain.  Releasing your worries onto paper leads to better health.  Both emotionally and physically.Journal writing can become a positive outlet for all your anger and unwanted emotions.

2. Stimulates your Brain/Learning:  the act of writing makes you brain work.  It provides "exercise" for you mind; keeping you alert and aware.  

3. Personal Growth:  one of the best benefits of journal writing is the growth it can provide.  The more you write; the more you learn about yourself.  This can be used as a tool to find the areas of your life you want or need to improve.Re-reading your entries (and writing further thoughts) can help propel your personal growth. 
   Doing this has brought me a better understanding of the beliefs that were inhibiting my growth.  In regards to emotional eating, journal writing, provides insights into WHY you binge.  It provides a path to recovery.

4. Provides a way for Healing:  you cannot heal or recover unless you  know what needs to change.  We each have certain thoughts and beliefs that hold us back.  Yours are different and unique from mine or anyone else'.  Writing will provide insight for you.  It will give you a way for healing to occur.

5. Organize Thoughts:  having your thoughts written down helps you to see clearly; you will be able to know what is going on within yourself.  You will have the benefit to be able to organize  your thoughts in a tangible form.  The answers and solutions you need will become clear.

6. Tap into your sub-conscious: We don't always know why we do the things we do.Why do you reach for food when you're clearly not hungry?  Why do you eat so much that you literally ache?  Journal writing provides a light into the sub-conscious mind; the part of you mind that controls your impulse reactions.  When you have the ability to step into this part of your mind; you have the ability to change your life in any way youwant.   A good way to aid this is to use your non-dominanthand when writing.  It allows your true thoughts to come onto the paper without the logical side of your brain from shutting it down.  This can help you to unlock the beliefs that hold you back from the peace that being free of emotional eating brings.

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