“Journal writing is a voyage to the interior.” Christina Baldwin
Would you like to delve into some mindful journalling to connect with your feelings and your unique voice in order to improve your sense of wellbeing and to have some fun along with the way with a group of fellow carers?
Expanding on our last course of Journalling for Self-Compassion and Wellbeing where we combined some short mindfulness meditations with journalling, we are now going to open this up to include a wider variety of themes and exercises around wellbeing.
Did you know that journalling is scientifically proven to mitigate many of the issues carers face including reducing stress, improving sleep, reducing overwhelm and building self-confidence.
James Pennebaker, a social scientist and researcher at the University of Texas, has done groundbreaking work for the last twenty years on the healing power of writing. In his 1997 book Opening Up, he documents the first research he did on the topic. Curious what the effects of writing down one’s experiences are, he did a research study to find out. What he discovered surprised even him.
The group of students who wrote just once about difficult experiences and their emotions around those experiences experienced a 50% reduction in doctors’ visits in the next six months compared to the six months before writing. They reported fewer symptoms for any chronic illnesses they had, greater happiness and even an increase in grades and higher success rates when looking for jobs.
So we can see that when we journal and process our lives on the page, that the benefits are felt subjectively in our happiness levels but can also translate into some practical outcomes like better health and enhanced competence.
Just as good digestion is essential to good health so too is the ability to process our feelings and the meanings we give to these feelings – which is something that we can learn to do creatively and effectively as we journal.
Whether you are a seasoned journaller or a complete beginner you are very welcome to come along and join this supportive group of diverse, reflective and inspiring carers.
Starting Wednesday, 10th June 10.30am to 12 noon (via Zoom) and on the second Wednesday of the month from then on.
Contact Nicola Lytle at nicola.lytle@thecarerscentre.org with any questions or to book your place.
