Diaries are used to keep track of daily events but journals are used for much more than this. Using creative writing journals to write in provides a way of not just recording events but our reactions to them, the emotions they evoked in us and more. If we develop the habit of keeping a journal, this can have many positive benefits in our lives. Not only can it improve our health and promote emotional healing but it will also stimulate our creativity and improve our ability to express ourselves.

Through the centuries, we often hear about important men and women who kept journals. Sometimes these have even been published at a later date. Many philosophers, writers, presidents and prime ministers would record their thoughts in this way. Today, the practice of journal-keeping is as popular as ever, despite the digital revolution. There is just something about putting pen to paper that we find therapeutic.

It is often helpful to look back at past events and emotions and reflect on them. This is where a journal comes in handy as it not only records events but captures the emotions experienced at the time. One can often gain helpful insights and even discern unhelpful behavior patterns that can be changed. Personal and even professional growth can be encouraged in this manner.

When you first buy a journal, you may find you sit staring at it, not knowing how to begin. Just put one word after another without thinking too much. You will soon find that the words begin to flow. The more you write, the easier and more fluid the process becomes. Like an old well that has been cleaned out, at first the water that comes out is dirty but as it flows, it starts to become clearer.

In our world we are constantly bombarded by input from all directions. Taking pen to paper can help us to clarify our thinking. As we start expressing ourselves on the paper, it is like removing the clutter from our minds. Eventually, enough of the clutter is removed to give new ideas and insights room to flourish.

Many people struggle to recover from grief and loss. It has been proved that writing fears down and expressing emotions in words helps in the healing process. Instead of remaining bottled up inside, they are released onto the paper and this often helps to promote healing.

Putting pen to paper still has a vital place to play, in spite of the digital revolution that has taken place. Many people still find that wrestling with problems or exploring new ideas works best when physically taking up a pen and some paper and working with them. Many techniques and exercises can also be found on the internet to help people develop their creative muscles.

Document your struggles and your triumphs, exercise your creativity, release your frustrations and fears. You will feel better for it and studies have shown that such a habit can significantly improve your health. Develop the habit of keeping a journal and you will not regret it.