5 Ways Writing Improves Your Life

How to Develop a Writing “Practice” of Your Own

As a daily writer, I’ve realized numerous benefits from the practice. Of course, I write books, blogs, articles, and content for clients, as well as journal daily. So, I’m biased. But even a five-minute writing sprint in a journal is somehow cathartic to my soul.

In my daily interactions with friends, family, career professionals, and leaders in their respective fields, I’ve discovered something surprising. Every single one writes in some fashion or another. Sometimes it’s just scribbling down ideas, and other times it’s a ranting email that’s never sent. Hey, we’ve all done that a time or two. But it proves my point, getting thoughts, ideas, and inspiration out of the mind and onto paper or a screen serves up an “ahh” moment. You’re releasing a little weight from your brain — the one carrying around that thought that needs fleshing out or recalling later.

Of course, there’s more to gain when you write more than just an email or jot down an idea.

When you draft a project, an article, a blog, or a chapter in a book, you increase the benefits you reap. Experts cite numerous advantages associated with journaling, including improved mental health, emotional well-being, enhanced memory and recall, and physical health. A study mentioned in the Stanford University Journal, “Participants who wrote about their deepest thoughts and feelings reported significant benefits in both objectively assessed and self-reported physical health 4 months later.” Other media outlets, such as The Mental Health Foundation and Positive Psychology, have published a range of articles on the positive mind-body connection that can be found through journaling alone.

In my search for personal experiences with the benefits of writing, I received an overwhelming response about what can be gained from the practice. Here are some of the most popular ways writing has improved lives.

Self-Expression. There’s something cathartic about putting pen to paper and releasing thoughts and concerns. It lightens your mind. It’s also a great way to brainstorm and work through challenges as well as opportunities, and it clears the clutter and cobwebs, allowing you to think more clearly.

“Writing serves as a powerful vessel of self-expression and emotional processing,” says Leenei Masterson, Editorial Assistant at The London Ghostwriting Company. “When we externalize thoughts and feelings on paper, we prevent the mental strain of keeping everything bottled up inside. Moreover, writing allows for the creation of a space where we can unravel ourselves, uncoil our minds, and create.”

Obtaining Insight. Writing is a powerful way to chronicle experiences, express your imagination, and share your perspectives, as well as those of others. You’ll find your place in the world and better understand who you are when you write.

“I don’t identify as a writer, per se, as it’s not my profession, but I like to write,” says Dr. Anne Hussain, ND. “I’m a naturopathic doctor. I write to make sense of things, including my thoughts, fears, gratitude, progress, worries, wins, losses, and my understanding of scientific concepts. I also write blog posts and a book to help people understand their bodies and consolidate my knowledge. There’s nothing like putting pen to paper to get things out of my head, especially when everything seems like a jumble up there. Then, I like to open up my laptop to write things out in full sentences. It helps me tease through what I know and what I don’t know. It helps me refine my language, and it makes me a better clinician for my patients. It also helps me create a plan to move forward, whether that’s in my professional or personal life, instead of ruminating and having scattered thoughts that I can’t deal with.”

Emotional Therapy. Even in professional therapy settings, you are asked to write. It invites you to track progress, process emotions, communicate clearly, and sift through feelings.

“As a certified life and pleasure coach, I guide most of my clients through transformational writing practices as part of their emotional healing and self-discovery journeys,” says Aine Rock, Life and Pleasure Coach, West Hollywood, CA.“Journaling, free writing, and intention setting are essential tools in my coaching programs. My writing practice has been key in processing trauma, integrating plant medicine journeys, and reclaiming personal power. Aine journals every morning, moving from “morning pages” to a less structured and freer-flow expression.

“I started writing creatively with a coach during the pandemic and continued for several years. I am also currently writing a book about transforming my life, and I attribute my writing practice to the courage and insight that have finally enabled me to make significant changes in my life. The same themes emerge over and over, and writing is a way to index and sort the thoughts that loop, the desires that are often buried under our to-do lists, and the fears we hold about who we are becoming.”

Restful Relaxation. Though you’re doing something, and maybe even producing a piece to share with the world, writing is a powerful relaxation exercise. It releases your happy hormones along with other creative activities such as painting, playing music, crafting, or drawing.

“I write because I love it. I can’t imagine not doing it,” says E.L. Johnson,bestselling historical mystery author. “Writing, be it journaling, blogging, poetry, plays, or anything, can help a person decompress and relax after a long day. It can help them get out their thoughts and feelings, especially if they’re feeling stressed or mentally exhausted. Sometimes, just the act of pretending everything is okay and being ‘normal’ can be tiring. So, I encourage anyone to take that step and pick up a pen or pull open a computer and start writing. You never know where it will lead.”

Focused Clarity. Writing down goals and observations around your plans, dreams, and visions can be a powerful motivator. All the same, notating changes needed moving forward, or thoughts and insights on progress, can help you reframe your strategies moving forward.

“I write daily for up to ten minutes; it’s a great way to start my day, reflect, and focus,” says Kenyokee Crowell, Strategic Consultant, Executive Coach, and CEO of Prodigy Advisors LLC. “We are complex beings with thoughts, ideas, or even stressors swirling around our minds. Writing gives space to all those things. For me, it gives me focus for my day, and I find it empowering. It is also a time to celebrate wins or learnings from the day prior and release those things that have been occupying my mind rent-free, causing stress. Give it time, write it down, and be in control of when you will come back to it.”

“Most of what I write is for me, not a reader,” says Lauren Henry Brehm, Author, Purple Wolf Designs. “I keep a daily diary where I write a sentence or two. That allows me to reflect on my day and choose what’s most important and what it means to me. For problems I’m facing, I find that when I put my thoughts on paper, I can better understand and analyze what I’m thinking. Writing things out helps me to organize my thoughts, which in turn helps me see solutions that might otherwise escape my notice.

You don’t have to commit to journaling or be a professional writer to benefit from all writing has to offer. As you’ve seen and read, simply committing to a small but “therapeutic” practice of writing can be enormously beneficial.

Here are a few suggestions for reaping the benefits of a writing practice.

Write Authentically. There are no rules when you’re writing for yourself, especially when journaling. Of course, paid writing has its caveats, but regardless of your audience, be true to yourself and don’t be afraid to share your voice.

“Start by writing authentically and from the heart without worrying about perfection or audience initially, says Leenei. “In my opinion, the key is staying true to your voice and experiences, as genuine expression is what ultimately resonates and provides the most significant personal benefit. The rest will follow!

Write Regularly. Writing is a practice that gradually offers more benefits over time. Doing a little writing once and never again won’t be effective. Instead, practicing a small amount of writing each week, or ideally every day, can boost your mood, communication skills, and other benefits.

“To gain the benefits of writing, you must do it,” Lauren says, “It sounds self-evident, but simply picking up a pen or sitting at a keyboard is how all writing begins. The value of writing is like that of travel, but just like traveling, you need to decide to take the first step. Unlike traveling, though, you don’t need to start with your destination in mind. Let your thoughts lead your writing.” She recommends making writing a ritual that you enjoy and building upon by keeping a journal and setting aside a specific time each day to write.

“I would recommend to anyone that they start keeping a daily diary or journal,” says Lauren. “Set aside a specific time to write. I prefer to write at bedtime, when I can summarize my day in a couple of sentences. Others may prefer to write in the morning to add focus to the upcoming day. There’s no right or wrong way to start writing other than making up your mind to do it.”

Write Strategically. If you choose to align your writing with your goals, your writing is not only therapeutic but also educational and perhaps financially fruitful.

“It’s not a profession, yet writing is an essential element of our business development and branding to help secure partners, vendors, and contracts,” Paul L. Gunn, Jr., Founder of KUOG Corporation.

“Writing has improved my life to boost my confidence in myself that I am capable, and its practice is vital for ensuring the legacy of our company and brand,” he says. “There is a direct link between writing proficiency, revenue growth, and strengthened internal communication.” Paul shares how he was told in school that his writing skills were poor. However, he persevered and soon began writing for prominent global media outlets, including Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc., and Forbes.

“Once my book was published, I understood that, although not perfect, writing was a way to support my mental health and, in the process, help others. This built my confidence and allowed me to encourage others that writing is a transferable skill with the power to make a lasting impact.”

Writing is much more than just an exercise or a freeing practice. When you write, you’re part of a community.

It’s true. You have lots of writing peers out there waiting to connect with you. When you write, you embark on an inspiring, uplifting, cathartic, and healthy practice that invites you to connect with others and let your unique voice and inner light shine.