When is the last time you wrote something just for you? Something tangible, on an actual piece of paper, for your eyes only? Something that required critical thought and self-exploration?
In a world of constant texting, tweeting, emailing, and digitally "engaging," there's a good chance the answer is "a really long time ago." But doing so can serve you well — study after study after study suggests many benefits of self-expressive writing in a journal. The practice can help reduce intrusive ideas that bring you down, help you ditch toxic habits, relieve stress and anxiety, and help you cultivate the life you want to live.