Got problems? The solution could be in your pen!
Last week, a reader asked if I thought digital journaling was a good way to journal. My reply was “NO.” While it may be better than not journaling at all, it isn't as effective. In an era where digital screen interruptions constantly bombard our thoughts, longhand journaling provides the escape we need to reconnect with our true selves and connect with our inner power to overcome obstacles. Here are 15 reasons that I recommend longhand journaling over digital journaling:
1. It activates a fascinating part of our brain called the Reticular Activation Center (RAC), a complex network of nerve cells in the brainstem that acts as a gatekeeper, allowing certain stimuli to pass through while blocking others.
2. Activating the RAC heightens our awareness and allows us to delve deeper into our inner selves.
3. The act of physically writing on paper instead of typing on a keyboard creates a sensory experience that deepens our connection to our thoughts and emotions.
4. The RAC gives the brain feedback from hand movements, sending signals that enhance engagement and focus.
5. Pouring our thoughts onto journal pages requires concentration and sustained attention, a form of self-reflection.
6. It keeps us focused on essential things and prevents us from becoming overwhelmed by irrelevant information.
7. It promotes clarity of thought, allowing us to organize our ideas and make connections we might not have otherwise noticed.
8. It encourages a sense of mindfulness by keeping us in the moment. Longhand journaling is a form of meditation that leads to inner peace amid the chaos of everyday life.
9. It enhances self-expression and emotional catharsis through an uninterrupted experience.
10. It aids in memory consolidation by creating a tangible record of our emotions and experiences. This process reinforces the connections between different brain regions and allows for the formation of more potent and lasting memories.
11. It helps build a mental map that guides our day-to-day decision-making.
12. It serves as a well-deserved break from screens. Digital journaling keeps us connected to screens and has the potential for distractions, such as notifications, browsing, or app switching, distractions that hinder our focus and interrupt the journaling process.
13. It is an outlet for bottled-up frustrations, allowing us to release our thoughts, fears, and desires onto blank pages.
14. It enhances problem-solving skills and exploration of alternative solutions. It helps you go within where the answers lie; to discover solutions to any challenges or obstacles you encounter.
15. Journaling longhand requires only three things: a pen, notebook, or journal, and as little as 10 minutes of your time a day to allow your thoughts to flow across the pages. It’s a small change that your brain will thank you for!
Need help getting started? Contact me at smallchange@myrtlerussell.com
Catch up on the ABCs of Gratitude at https://myrtlerussell.com/blog.
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