How Writing Eases My Anxious Mind

Writing helps calm my anxiety in times of chaos. It allows me to express my thoughts and emotions freely, giving me a sense of clarity and control. There are many forms of writing that relieve my anxiety, including creative writing and journaling. Here's how.

How Writing Helps Anxiety

Writing helps my anxiety in two ways. First, it helps me release my emotions in a tangible way by jotting them down on paper or in an online diary. This process helps me figure out exactly how I'm feeling, and writing about my anger, frustration, and anxious thoughts brings a sense of relief by freeing them from my mind.

Moreover, through writing, I can reframe negative thought patterns. For instance, when I lack confidence, especially when taking on new projects or going through interviews, journaling my negative thoughts helps me believe in my skills and abilities to be successful. Writing gives me the power to gain insight into my emotions and create a new, calming perspective.

Writing Techniques that Help My Anxiety

I've found a couple of helpful techniques to reduce my anxious thoughts while writing. The first technique is gratitude journaling. Before going to bed or whenever I feel upset about my circumstances, I make it a habit to write down five things I am grateful for. These things can be broad, like the comfort of my home or the joy of spending time with friends, or they can be specific, like a delicious meal I had that day. Expressing gratitude for the things in my life helps me remember the many wonderful experiences I've had and gives me something positive to focus on. After writing in my gratitude journal, I often feel a sense of calm about my life.

The second technique is creative writing. This could involve crafting a short story or reflecting on a specific life experience from a new perspective. In my professional life as a freelance writer, I engage in a lot of creative writing on many different topics each week. This practice keeps my creative juices flowing, distracts me from anxious thoughts, and excites me to learn and write about new things. It also helps me improve my writing skills, leading to a sense of fulfillment and an overall reduction in anxiety.

More on Writing Techniques for Anxiety

If you've experienced anxious thoughts, check out the video below, where I discuss a specific writing technique and how it has helped me manage my anxiety.

Do you enjoy writing, and has it helped reduce your anxiety? I'd like to hear your thoughts in the comments below.