L.A. Parent: Ask the Experts | How to Start Journaling and Why It Matters
L.A. Parent recently interviewed Itai Danovitch, MD, chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences at Cedars-Sinai, about how journaling can benefit physical and mental health.
Danovitch told L.A. Parent that research indicates that writing down thoughts helps reduce anxiety, stress, blood pressure and symptoms of depression, and that parents, specifically, can benefit from the exercise.
“Parenting, even in the best of circumstances, can be exasperating and overwhelming,” Danovitch said. “Journaling is valuable first and foremost because of what it requires—carving out some time and space to slow down and reflect. In the midst of competing demands, pausing to take a breath is vital.”
Danovitch told L.A. Parent that journaling, which usually focuses on processing thoughts and emotions, is different from keeping a diary, which is used to chronicle daily activities.
“There are many approaches to journaling,” Danovitch said. “What most have in common is setting an intention, protecting time, writing continuously and writing only for yourself. I should also highlight that writing is used as a tool within some psychotherapies; however, these are under the guidance of a therapist who may provide specific prompts based on treatment goals.”
For people who want to start journaling, Danovitch told L.A. Parent that consistency—setting aside time each day and writing until time is up—is key.
“The most important part is to start—and to be patient with yourself,” Danovitch told L.A. Parent. “It often takes continued practice to get into a writing rhythm and begin to reap the rewards.”
Click here to read the complete article from L.A. Parent.