A reason to write: journal for your health
I was flipping through Men's Health and saw a column by one of the MH
experts, Dr. John Elefteriades, on how doctors stay strong and
healthy.
- Rowing for cardiovascular benefits
- Discipline in never eating too much and continuing to exercise
- Skepticism; asking your doctor why you need certain medications
- Dips to build muscle (he's 59 and can still match is old school record)
- Writing to manage stress.
"I've started writing fiction. It helps me relax because I have total control over the outcome of events, unlike in my day job. My first novel, Transplant, was published last year." Studies show that writing nonfiction - a daily journal, for example - may also relieve anxiety.
I think most people have heard this. I write to remember; there are details in my journal from our summer in France that time has long since eroded from my mind. I can bring them back authoritatively by looking over the journal.
You can get health benefits while writing and also get a happy boost while reflecting on your past experiences.
