5 ways writing can help with wellbeing

A chipped ink bottle from last century stands proudly on my writing desk.

My dad found it on the farm decades ago: maybe left behind from a former household or somehow drifted into the ploughed fields from the local school which used to stand at the edge of our farm.

It is a beautiful piece of aqua glass and while chipped, the curves are smoothed and no sharp edges remain.

Remnants of black ink stain the inner well – a dream board of yesteryear’s writing, thinking and expression.

As a journalist and author for 25+ years I see the ink bottle as a symbol of my working life: a way of expressing my ideas and smoothing out notions and creativity.

For a lot of people who love to write – stories, poems, songs or daily notes in a diary – writing can be a pathway to wellbeing.

Here are five writing ideas or word jamming for wellbeing:

1. Writing our thoughts down on paper or on a screen is a way of releasing mind energy – like now, as I write to you, I am able to let go of my thoughts as they appear on this post and have no need for them to roll around in my head.

If you feel the same thoughts constantly rising, try writing them down. No judgement. Simply write the thoughts down in whatever order to let the words waterfall out. You don’t need to do anything with those words. You can save it or trash it right away. The point is, to let them out.

2. Writing thoughts is a huge relief when you cannot speak the words openly to someone.

You don’t need to do anything with those words. You can save it or trash it right away. The point is, to let them out.

A common suggestion when it’s difficult to speak honestly with someone is to write that someone a letter and never send it. To simply write the words you wish to speak can ease a burden off your mind and help you breathe … whatever kind of words they may be. Kind, angry, explanatory. This is especially helpful when you know you can never speak to that someone again either through estrangement or death. It is also helpful to prepare yourself in case you ever get the chance, perhaps, to tell that someone whatever it is that needs to be said. Beautiful, loving, generous.

3. Writing out your thoughts can help order confusion.

You may wish to write about a scenario, a series of events, or years worth of situations. Seeing these thoughts down on paper or on your laptop screen might help you put them in order or to help you see where you are repeating the same idea, actions, mistakes or brave choices. There are always times in our lives where we need to rethink our past to work out how we got to today. Try dot-points about your own journey.

4. Writing to keep a sacred and cherished memory to reflect on in future years can be a relief to people who worry their memory will fade.

A lovely notebook, locked diary or a box of scattered notes can be a store-all of written memories. Like a photo album of thoughts. You can read these whenever you wish. Two years ago I started a jar of memories using coloured squares of paper which I write on, then fold origami-style and place into the jar. I call it my Word Jam® Jar. A delicious swirl of beautiful words: they range from compliments people have said to thank you notes and pictures from the little ones in my life.

5. Writing letters and notes to others have typically now become a considerate and gorgeous thing to do. From homemade envelopes with elaborate artwork to decorated writing paper, a personal note or card will lift your spirits and help the receiver beam – it is such a feeling of value that you took the time to be so thoughtful.

I adore writing real letters, cards, notes and embellishing them with stickers and colour, through to including sprinkles of confetti, dried rose petals or stamps. It is such a lovely way to create a genuine gift of your caring to someone who doesn’t expect it.

Warmest, Renee

Disclaimer: this blog post is intended as a beautiful and thought-provoking article for entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and cannot substitute for medical care.  No representations are made as to the completeness of any information and the author is not liable for any losses, injuries or damages from the use of this information.