6 benefits of writing every day

We can all transfer our thoughts to paper, which means, in a sense, we are all writers, even if we do not know how to masterfully twist the plot, like Tolstoy. The writing habit is a useful tool for self-expression, creativity, and thinking. And you don't have to be an obsessive novelist locked in four walls to do that.

1. Writing is good for health

Much of the research on how writing relates to happiness has been about expressive writing - writing about what you think and feel. The most obvious example of expressive writing is journaling. That being said, blogging has the same therapeutic effect as handwriting.

Expressive writing improves mood and well-being, and reduces stress levels.

In addition, the inability to express their thoughts in writing interferes with communication with other people, the exchange of experiences and feelings. It is not easy to concretize your thoughts and put them in order during an oral conversation. The habit of constantly writing helps to cope with this.

Research by Laura King of Southern Methodist University shows that people who write about their goals, dreams, and accomplishments are happier and healthier. I found the same effect: People who were stressed at work took notes for several days, after which they felt better, and their productivity increased by 29%. Adam Grant writer, journalist, professor at the Wharton School of Business

In addition, the habit of writing makes it easier to communicate even complex ideas to others. It helps to get rid of the excuse “it sounded much better in my head”: in writing, you have to clearly articulate your thoughts.

2. The habit of writing helps you get through difficult times

In a study of recently laid-off engineers, it was found that those who regularly wrote and expressed their thoughts on paper found new jobs faster.

Engineers who recorded their thoughts and feelings about being fired experienced less anger and hostility towards their former employer. They also drank less. Eight months later, it turned out that 52% of engineers who constantly wrote found new full-time jobs, compared with only 19% in the non-writing control group. Adam Grant writer, journalist, professor at the Wharton School of Business

Participants in the experiment noted that when describing experiences that they could not share with anyone, they did not deny the difficulties, but tried to accept them and go through them. Therefore, over time, experiences fade into the background.

When you write about traumatic events, you release feelings of depression. However, it will take at least 6 months to experience the full benefits of this activity.

At the same time, in order to get rid of negative experiences, you cannot force yourself. Recording should be natural and satisfying to the person doing it.

3. The habit of writing helps to find motivation

The authors of another noted that the subjects who wrote down once a week what good things were happening in their lives were optimistic about the future and were more motivated.

But there is one "but": if you write every day, then there will be no noticeable difference. This makes sense: any business, if you do it too often and without a sincere desire, can get bored pretty quickly.

4. When you write, you put things in order in your head

Have you ever opened many tabs in your browser at the same time? It's hard not to get lost in them and not get distracted. You open the same tabs in your head when you try to think over many ideas, deeds, plans at once.

The habit of writing gives shape to your thoughts, you transfer them from your head to paper and free up space.

5. Written is easier to remember

Information is easier to remember when you understand that it is important and write it down in your own words.

It takes discipline and self-organization to create an interesting written work: you need to constantly be focused, look for new sources of information, inspiration and knowledge.

When you are in search of new ideas, you develop your thinking, ability to analyze and research, learn to get to the bottom and find topics that concern you personally. By taking the time to write, you learn to solve problems more effectively.

If you write on one topic for a while, you will quickly move from well-known ideas to new ones, and then you can create something unique. So, many writers started with one paragraph, which then turned into an essay, the essay gave rise to a series of articles, and the articles became a whole book.

6. The habit of writing teaches you to accept criticism

In the modern world, everyone is trying to make themselves known in one way or another. Each person can publish their creation and share it with others.

Just think how amazing it is that you can influence another person with your words. When someone writes you a letter thanking you for the work you've shared, you're likely to be pleasantly surprised.

Positive feedback helps the writer get motivated and get creative.

And when faced with criticism, writers will certainly become impenetrable in a good way. Criticism, even if unjustified, is an excellent tempering of character.

Writing well is a useful skill, and it's not that hard to develop. The best way is through "", a free and cool writing course from the editors of Lifehacker. A theory, many examples and homework awaits you. Do it - it will be easier to complete the test task and become our author. Subscribe!