Ways Writing Improves Your Life
There’s nothing more enjoyable than writing and being around others who love to write. At conferences, clubs, or workshops with new and seasoned writers, it’s inspiring to be around others who share a passion for the craft. Just this weekend, I connected over coffee with Jack Monroe, a great writer of political intrigue tales for young readers. Simply catching up and sharing about books and the industry lifted my spirits and motivated me to write.
So how does one become a writer?
Well, for starters—write! It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing a book, a poem, a blog, or even a letter to a dear friend. Writing is an art and a gift to our brains. According to an article correlating writing and brains, “Expert athletes have trained their muscles to perform certain functions, and expert creatives can do the same with their brain.” And when authors and writing novices write down their stories, they are exercising a part of their brain that most people tend not to use.
Not only does writing give your brain a workout, but it also improves your health. The process of writing has been proven to reduce stress. A Harvard University study cites the benefits of creative writing in improving health and mood. Especially when writing about emotions and feelings, the process enhances the likelihood of coping with anxiety and emotional trauma.
Additionally, we can remember things longer as we exercise, an essential part of our neurological system that craves physical activity. However, to truly reap these wonderful health benefits, we also need to write by hand more often. I wrote my very first novel by putting pen to paper. No laptop at all! It was a great exercise that helped me stay organized and focused. As you know from reading my piece on journaling and the review of Journaling Power, author and Chief Inspiration Officer Mari L. McCarthy provides a wealth of evidence that writing is the key to better health and, dare I say it, a better personal and professional life.
But what’s important here is the community of writing.
Additionally, I want to emphasize the inspiration I draw from connecting with other writers, authors, and friends who share this passion. If you’re a novice writer or enjoy the art of writing, attend a conference and meet new people, or get your writing buddies together and start exercising today. Writing is an inspiring, uplifting, joy-filled, and healthy practice.
Writing has a plethora of benefits, making it impossible to enumerate them all here. For more inspiration and ideas, read what the experts have to say in “5 Ways Writing Improves Your Life and How to Develop a Writing ‘Practice’ of Your Own.”
Dear Books Uplift Readers, how has writing improved your life?
