This mental health thing can actually make you miserable, tell experts

There are tons of upsides to logging. But if you are not careful, it could aggravate things.


There is no shortage of scientific evidence proving that the practice of daily journalization is amazing for your mood, your level of stress and your physical and mental health. A study, published inMMIR MENTAL HEALTH, found that logging soothes anxiety and promotes a better sense of well-being. Another study, published in the newspaperStress medicine, found that logging can help your immune system. And another study, published inAdvances in psychiatric treatment, I found that logging and "expressive writing" can actually help strengthen your cerebral function.

A 2013 study published in the journalPsychosomatic medicine Even discovered that adults with physical injuries that have spent at least 20 minutes at least 20 minutes of logging on their feelings actually cured faster than those who did not use a newspaper.

Given the overwhelming science of the art of writing your feelings every day, you would think it's a universally accepted force for good in this world. But according to some psychologists, if you are not careful - and that you do not approach your newspaper with the right point of view - it can really go back against and make you feel worse. Learn more about what experts say about logging and what it means for you. And for more good advice to help you live a longer and healthier life, make sure you are aware of theSurprising habits that quickly get your body, explains science.

1

How can logging can be a negative

stressed out young woman sitting at desk
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"There are a lot of advice on how newspaper, part of that, a big part,"writing Steven Stosny, Ph.D., author ofLove without injury. "Sometimes, keep a diary of your thoughts, your feelings and your experiences help, but it often makes things worse. In general, it is likely to hurt if it tries to help you help you isolate and help you better understand and behavioral changes in your interactions with others. "

According to Stosny, the logging can become dark when you "makes you live too much in your head", makes you a passive observer of your life ", you obsessed with yourself", becomes a vehicle of blame instead of solutions , "and" VALLINE in the negative things that happened to you. "

If these familiar sounds, your logging is simply to strengthen the negative thoughts that are already turning in your mind.

2

Does not come to throw your worst thoughts in anger

overstressing in kitchen
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A highly publicized study published in the journalPsychiatryFocus has three volunteer groups in the newspaper: a group on the negatives of their lives, another group on the things of life they were grateful and the third group on "the neutral events of life". At the end of the study, those who recorded their negative thoughts showed signs of improving practically zero and even felt more upset or angry with themselves. The people who expressed gratitude have experienced the biggest boost of well-being of logging. And for healthier life tips, see theSecondary effects totally crazy exercise that you did not know.

3

That said, your writing should not be sugar

writing in journal
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You should obviously write about the negative thoughts of your newspaper, but, according to Stosny, it is important not to go down the way to strengthen negative emotions when you save them. You need to "objectively look at the thoughts, emotions and behavior you have expressed," he says.

4

Tips for logging properly

Woman writing in food journal with egg toast carrots coffee on table
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There is no structure or a unique list of all tasks to do when it comes to keeping a newspaper for your mental health. This is supposed to be personal, a place where your thoughts can circulate freely and help you make sense of the world when it feels too chaotic. But it is really important that you approached it from the right objective mentality.

"Look at your writing time as a personal relaxation time,"Write health expertsAt the Medical Center of the University of Rochester. "It's a moment when you can deaffee and relax. Write in a place that relaxes and soothing, maybe with a cup of tea. Expect your time of logging. And know that you do something from Good for your mind and body. "

If thoughts take a strong turning to the negative, Stosny recommends that you ask you some key questions that will help you objectively visualize your negative thoughts: "Would you think the same thing if you felt comfortable? "Can you convert the negative energy of this experience into creativity and positive growth?" You would feel the same if you were firmly in contact with your core values? And "do you act according to your deepest values ​​and the kind of person you want to be?"

If you can apply runnings and review your negative emotions objectively, you will improve your logging experience and reap the benefits. And for more ways to live healthier every day, try These 5 minute exercises that will have you sleep like a teenager .


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