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Journaling

By Elizabeth Scott, M.S., About.com

Updated: November 16, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD

Definition: Journaling, though not an official word found in Webster's Dictionary, is a coin termed to describe the act of writing about one’s thoughts and feelings (on paper or via computer). Journaling has many benefits that range from stress management to sharpened mental skills to health and wellness, and more. Research on journaling has shown that it’s more effective to write about your thoughts and feelings surrounding a stressful event, rather than just your feelings or your thoughts alone. Read more on how to start journaling to make this healthy practice a regular part of your life.

Source:
Ullrich, Philip M., M.A.; Lutgendorf, Susan K., Ph.D. Journaling About Stressful Events: Effects of Cognitive Processing and Emotional Expression. Annals of Behavioral Medicine, Vol. 24, No. 3, 2002.

Also Known As: Journal Writing, Keeping a Diary

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