When someone is ill or passing along life's journey, writing becomes a way to relieve grieving and the stress of the experience. Memorializing someone via writing their story and remembrance is also very powerful.
Write the Stress Away
| March 16, 2012 | Posted by Hajra under Life, Stress |
Yes, I am getting more regular with posting. Cough, cough, this is a guest post!
The lovely Tanja from Crystal Clarity Copy writing writes a wonderful post on driving the stress away through writing. I am going to let her do all the talking today (first for me!); but do check out her bio below and go stalk her everywhere! Take Over Tanja!
LETS TALK STRESS
Stress is what happens in our bodies when our brains think we’re dealing with a situation that’s too much for us to cope with. It’s a perfect demonstration of the mind-body connection. After all, stress doesn’t kick in unless our minds believe we’re out of our depth. And yet, between the raised heart rate, blood pressure spike and hormone floods, the response itself is overwhelmingly physical.
Some level of stress is fine – it challenges us, keeps us alert and stops us getting bored. But too much too often can end up having a serious impact on our mental and physical health.
WRITING AS STRESS MANAGEMENT… TRUE STORY!
Writing – whether it’s an article for someone else, blogging publicly, or just journaling privately – can be a powerful tool to help you manage your stress. There are several reasons for this, one of which is simply that taking time out to write can lower stress in and of itself. But beyond this, writing can also help with:
- Getting clarity: bizarre as it sounds, we don’t always know exactly what’s causing our stress. Sometimes, we’ll blame a person or situation, when the real cause is something completely different. Writing can help us get crystal clear on what’s really going on below the surface.
- Changing state: we can really only experience one state at a time. If I’m feeling confident or grateful, I can’t simultaneously feel worried or upset. Writing can actively help me change my state from stressed to something more constructive.
- Practical problem-solving: remember that stress management isn’t just about the feelings that stress causes. It’s also about looking deeper at the specific situations that stress us out, and identifying practical ways to avoid or deal with them.
Stress management writing techniques
The first thing to realise when you write to manage stress is that there’s no “one right way”. Whether you prefer the tactile sensation of pen and paper, or the high-tech convenience of a keyboard – either is absolutely fine. The best method is always whatever works for you. Next, be aware that you can choose from several techniques. For example, you could try:
- Keeping a stress-journaling table: the simplest, easiest technique is probably to create and use a stress-journaling table for a week or two. This helps you to get clear on what causes your stress, how you respond to it, and how you cope most effectively.
- Gratitude journaling: nothing beats gratitude journaling for practical conscious state-changing. Just remember, this isn’t about simply writing a list and trying to pretend that you’re not stressed – it involves genuinely altering your emotional state. That means that as you write, you actually need to let yourself feel and experience gratitude for the good things in your life.
- Brainstorming: an ideal way to kick off your problem-solving process is to brainstorm it. Write your problem situation as a question at the top of a page and set yourself a time limit. Then list as many answers to that question (as serious or silly as you like) until the time runs out. No editing, no evaluating – just write!
IMPORTANT: create an overall stress management plan!
It’s vital to remember that stress can have severe health effects – so we need to treat it seriously. That means writing should simply be one technique in your overall stress management plan. Make it something you do regularly – at least once a week if daily feels like it’s too often. And of course, if you notice physical signs of stress, don’t take chances – speak to your doctor or health professional!
OVER TO YOU NOW
- How much stress do you have in your life right now?
- What do you do to manage it?
- Do you already use writing techniques?
- If not, which (if any) of the techniques above appeal to you?
WHO IS TANJA NOW?
Tanja Gardner is a professional copywriter, word weaver and story spinner at Crystal Clarity Copywriting Ltd. She helps difference-makers like you write with concise, creative clarity that your readers intuitively “get”. That means they understand EXACTLY what you offer – which opens the way for you to make more of a difference in their lives.
To connect with Tanja, say hello on Twitter, Facebook or Google+, sign up for her monthly newsletter or follow her blog.
61 comments
Stress is no joke and it can destroy you from the inside out if not balanced well. Most times when I am stressed out its because I don't have control over the situation and I feel as if I can't get things done. Writing has helped me release most of it because I can put my feelings on paper and just let it all out. I have found other ways to manage it....taking a walk to clear my head or other relaxing outlets, but when it comes to writing, I think changing your scenery helps. Most times we write in the same place at the same time and some people just can't put their focus where it needs to be. I find that going to different locations helps give me clarity and relaxation while still tapping into some much needed rest. Thanks for the reminder!
Okay, this is too funny now. Hajra, I was wondering if the blog contest was over since you had a new post and then I stop by to comment and you have a guest blogger. I hope we'll see you again soon! That was interesting Tanja and I can see why some of this may help with relieving stress. Luckily for me, stress hasn't been an issue for a number of years now. Actually since I left corporate America although I'm not going to say life has been all roses. I just haven't had to deal with people in the job sector who made life stressful. Building my own business can be stressful at times but I've learned to not get upset over things I have no control over. So when that does start to happen I just take some deep breaths and go outside and get some fresh air. For some reason it always helps. Thanks for these suggestions. I hope I'll never need them! :-) Have a wonderful weekend ladies. ~Adrienne
Tanja was ready with a post before the contest got over; I just had to feature it! I love how well she writes and uses the simplest of techniques to get rid of something like stress! I did leave the corporate sector recently and yes, it did bring about the peace of mind and low stress; though I miss the financial security it brings; I love how well I feel when I get up in the mornings! Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a lovely day too!
Hello Tanja, it is my first time to read from you! Excellent job on this post! I love the techniques you shared here! I have personally found writing to be such a cathartic self-discovery process. It's interesting what we learn about ourselves when we are able to leave a space open for what is inside to flow out from us. I was impressed when I started blogging, to see how I felt so "unloaded" when I would simply sit to write. - What's even more interesting is that what I generally write about is helpful tips on internet marketing (primarily focused to network marketers who are attempting to bridge their businesses into the online world). I didn't expect to feel so unburdened by sharing what I share, but it just goes to show you that so much is possible when we create a space to allow things to move through us. :) I look forward to reading more from you, Tanja! Thanks for the wonderful perspective!! Best regards, Cat Alexandra
Hey Cat Thanks so much for appreciating Tanja's post. I have always loved writing; but never actually focused on the cathartic effects it can somehow bring across. Especially when bloggers have personal blogs sharing experiences; they mention how "unloaded" (like you say) they feel after having penned a post. I loved the way you express how online business owners feel the same way. My mom always mentions how loudly I type when on the computer...she says it is my way of getting rid of the anger! Thanks for stopping by!
Tanja- a wonderful post and Hajra - Thanks for putting this up on your site. Hmmm....writing to de-stress is a wonderful thought, i had never given that any place in my mind, maybe because i am not a professional writer and i wouldnt be able to write as you guys do. My idea of handling stress is to visit all my favorite bloggers sites and read their wonderful articles and give my 2 cents to the post.
Hey Praveen! Thanks so much for coming by! Whatever is writing for you is fine I must say. Just putting the thoughts in words makes all the difference!
I am the queen of stress these days and writing has helped. While the stress doesn't go away, at least my writing can help unload much of it to help me sleep and get through the day. I keep a journal for each day so I can track my stress levels. They are up and down but so if life, huh? Great post.
A journal to track stress levels! That must be interesting! :) There are so many ups and downs that sometimes it really is toughing climbing and jumping down!
Hi Cindy - thanks so much for reading and commenting. Sorry to hear life's so stressful right now, but glad to hear that writing's helping a little. Feel free to ignore this question if it's just not helpful to explore it right now, but are you using any other strategies to help manage either your stressors or your stress reaction itself? Blessings - TANJA
Absolutely great post! I can especially relate to the 'getting clarity' piece of writing for stress management. So often when I'm stressed, I'm just dealing with a giant blob of a bad, overwhelmed feeling. Whenever I take an objective look at the little pieces and what steps need to be taken to sort them out, I feel a zillion times better... but I've gotta write it down to do that! I don't look at anything objectively up in my noggin. :) Thanks so much for this!
I *totally* hear you, Marla... it's like, you know how sometimes you'll ask someone a question, and the moment the words leave your mouth, you know the answer. You just needed to ask out loud to *realise* you knew it. I think I'm like that with writing sometimes. It lets me see all that swirling mass of information that was locked inside my brain, suddenly nicely, neatly written out on the page. When I see that, I often know the answers I need (I don't always *like* that answer, but at least I know it!) - but until it saw the questions there on the page, I had no idea I knew them. Blessings - TANJA
Hey Marla, Thanks so much! Tanja did write a wonderful post! Sometimes words do better at putting things in perspective; and it helps understanding the mixed thoughts in our heads!
I find it particularly helpful to use writing to change the way I feel. In the last 6 months I have been trying gratitude journalling and it has been most effective on the days when I feel most down. Either way I am finding the discipline of counting my blessings on a daily basis really uplifting.
Hey Antara, I am so glad you could relate to the post. Gratitude journals are something that I have started but have not been very regular with. I need to get into the habit. Counting your blessings is another way of looking at it; we get so caught up in the wrong that we forget to see the right. :)
Hi Antara - thanks so much for reading and commenting. I'd really like to be more disciplined around my gratitude writing process. At the moment, it's something I tend to do during extremes - days where things are either going so well, I can't help but spontaneously write out what I'm grateful for... or where everything's gone to hell and so I'm searching for the things I'm grateful for to remind myself that they exist. I know intellectually that if I did the practice every day, I'd find it SO much easier to identify my blessings when my life was going dramatically off its rails. But I haven't managed to translate that knowledge into action... or at least not yet. Blessings - TANJA
Writing is one of my favorite things to do for many of the reasons that you listed. I love the clarity and understanding that it helps me to provide and the relief/release that comes with it.
Hi Jack - writing's great, isn't it! I love your description of writing not just providing YOU with clarity and understanding, but helping you to provide clarity and undersatnding to others. Blessings, and thanks for commenting - TANJA
Hey Tanja, You should check out Jack's blog! He write everyday and the things he writes will always have you wanting more ;)
Hey Jack, I would agree. When you write your mind down; it makes more sense. All in the head just leads to a lot of headache!
Hi Farouk - thanks so much for commenting, and I'm really glad you found the tips useful :-)
Great guest post...funny, I've been writing for years and I have often attributed it to my healing but never to stress reduction. I absolutely can see the connection now.
Hi Tambre - thanks so much for the comment! It's great when the things we do have more than one benefit, isn't it? To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if anything that contributed to healing also contributed to stress reduction and vice versa. I know they're not the same thing, but I do think they're closely linked. Blessings - TANJA
Thanks Hajra for sharing Tanja's article. I enjoy the stress techniques and generally I was always 'stressed' about writing! But over the last year, because I have been writing so much for my blog and sharing comments, I actually now enjoy writing. Although I do have to find the time and not be pressured to write something.
Hi Lynn - thanks so much for the comments. I don't think you're the only one who used to get stressed out about writing, but it's great to hear that you're really enjoying it now. Finding/making time is a big thing, I think - do you have any techniques for carving out time during your day to make sure you get your writing done before the pressure builds? Blessings - TANJA
When I was young; I always like writing for my own diary and all; but when it came to writing essays in school and all; I got freaked out. I think writing de-stresses once when we know we won't be graded on the basis of it! No pressure and we work fine! :) Thanks for stopping by!
Great article Tanja, lots of useful tips. I use alot of different expressive ways to keep my stress response low. I write out my dreams, write responses to journal prompts that I find interesting, do art journaling, dream art and painting. I do what feels right for that day. As long as I have a creative outlet then I'm good to go.
Hi Petrea - thank you so very much for reading and commenting (and now that I've re-figured out the Word Press bug, I should be able to start commenting on yours again... I hope). One of my goals for the next while is to do a little more non-writing creative work... I have a vision board I'm planning to make up over the next week for my life/business vision (to support the one I posted for Wishcasting), plus I've just dug out a book of Tibetan mandalas someone gave me way back when and decided I'm going to start colouring them in. I know that probably doesn't look majorly creative from the outside, but it seemed like a nice non-language based "dipping my toe in the art-water" action I could take to expand my creative endeavours beyond all the writing I do. Thanks for reminding me of that! Blessings - TANJA
Hey! Thanks for stopping by! :) Art journaling caught my eye - I would like to know more about it! Creative outlets are important; not only do they help us in growing as an individual but helps relax - especially the fried nerves!
Very good article Tanja. I think writing stress away is very helpful because we need a way to relieve stress. I know for me the more I write the better I get and it gives great pleasure to hear from my readers, honestly. I want to hear how they really feel.
Thanks so much for the comment, Michael, and I'm really glad you enjoyed the article. Yes, absolutely - one of the major reinforcers for me as a bloggers is when I get comments back from readers. I love being able to have real, genuine conversations with them about... well everything, really. Blessings - TANJA
Hey Michael, Didn't she write wonderfully beautiful! :) I loved having her over! There are many ways of busting stress and we bloggers do have the writing factor which is strong so why not use that to our advantage! Is there any particular thing you write that helps you relax most - blogging, writing article, a gratitude journal, a diary or anything?
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