There are many reasons why people choose to write a daily journal or diary. Some people like to jot down their thoughts on a daily basis in order to reflect on what the day has encouraged them to achieve or vice versa, others write in order to make a permanent record of their lives or the lives of others in the family. Many parents choose to start journaling on the birth of a new baby in order to document the child’s milestones and to create a “story” of the child’s life.
Writing on a daily basis has many benefits. Some of the most influential people in history wrote a journal and it is fascinating to read about how they managed to achieve what they did. Writing a journal increases the creative flow and writers use journaling to generate ideas. If English is not your first language, practicing writing in English will increase your level of fluency. The Effortless English Club is a resource dedicated to teaching English since 1996.
Here are some of the benefits of writing a journal or diary on a daily basis.
Develops creativity
Writing a journal is an effective form of brainstorming. Recording your thoughts, feelings and ideas in the written word will encourage your creativity to flow. One idea leads to another and before you know it you have travelled a whole journey! Let your imagination run wild and record everything. Lots of people find that one of the times they are at their most creative, is first thing in the morning. Keep a journal by your bed and record your waking thoughts.
Improves writing
The more you practice a skill, the better you get at it! This is exactly the same with writing, to be a better writer – write!
Writing a diary or journal can have practical benefits too. You will remember things more accurately if it’s written down, you will also be able to analyse past experiences in order to move forward. If you write in your career, practicing will enable you to communicate in the written word more effectively. Ideas will flow and the construction of your text will be at a more readable level.
Lowers stress
Writing down your thoughts is very cathartic, especially if you do it on a daily basis. If you have a bad day writing down how you feel will enable you to move on. It will allow you to be creative and reflective in thinking up solutions to issues you are experiencing. Remember to write down your feelings on good days too. These documents of your life will help lower stress and allow you to progress and move on from past mistakes.
The medium you choose to write in or on is very much down to personal preference. You may prefer to write on paper, filling up a blank page with words is satisfying and cathartic. Many people prefer to use technology and write using diary apps or word documents. You could even consider writing a blog as a documentation of your life. Whichever form you choose you will reap the benefits of writing regularly.
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I agree. Writing every day is important. At the very least it helps to “clear the clutter” so you can focus on what’s important.
Oh yes. That’s certainly a great reason, Jennifer.
Maintaining a daily journal made me release stress plus gave me a clarity of thought whenever I was in doubt before making an important decision. It has always been therapeutic for me to write and clear negative thoughts from my mind.