With limited recreation and social options at the moment, as a senior citizen you may find that you have more time on your hands. Besides enjoying the extra time, consider writing a memoir. Let your creativity run wild and express yourself through poetry, letters to a loved one or just free writing. You can also consider starting a blog, a journal or a share your thoughts regularly on a social media post. You could decide on a theme like your life lessons, experiences, travels, cooking, gratitude or inspirational thoughts. The list goes on and on!
Diarists like Anne Frank and Samuel Pepys give us so much insight about the personal side of history. This is a great way to share experiences and memories that molded you. This is not only a legacy that your family will appreciate for generations to come, but has a number of benefits for your well-being as well.
Benefits of Writing
Therapeutic
Reliving memories, or penning down your favourite recipe for friends and family gives you a sense of purpose and helps relieve stress. Make your writing more personal by adding your sentiments or emotion to the associated memory.
If you are not comfortable with sharing your thoughts with others, consider keeping a private diary. Writing down your feelings helps you to express and vent your anxieties, frustrations and pains on a journal. Therefore, written expression can reduce and release any stress which you have accumulated overtime. Furthermore, expressing yourself in a diary is a good way to free up any tension that prevents you from feeling happy.
Boost your memory
Your brain is likely to store information that you have written down in your diary. This helps make stronger neuron connections with the information you have learnt after you write them down in a diary, making it easier for you to recall in the future too!
Self-Reflection
There are many lessons to learn from past experiences. Sometimes seeing these in print or paper can provide fresh insights. Journaling is a good way to take a step back and reflect. As a senior citizen, you are the voice of experience. These life lessons shared with others may help someone going through a similar phase. In these stressful times, consider starting a lockdown diary to help you self-reflect on gratitude or perhaps share an insightful article or video.
Writing Inspires Creativity
Writing is a great was to unleash your creativity. Everyone has the potential to be creative. Your journal is the best way to explore your inner creativity. Let your imagination run wild.
Reduce Anxiety
Writing can positively impact your anxiety through
- Calming and clearing your mind
- Releasing pent-up feelings and everyday stress
- Letting go of negative thoughts
- Exploring your experiences with anxiety
- Writing about your struggles and your successes may help someone else going through something similar
- Enhancing your self-awareness and teaching you about your triggers
- Tracking your progress as you undergo treatment
Drawbacks of Journaling
Equally important, there are some downsides and potential negative side effects that can come from journaling. Overwhelming emotions or dragging up painful memories may bring you down. While reminiscing always remember
- Don’t dwell in the past and let go of painful incidents and emotions
- Avoid becoming a passive observer of your life (make sure you experience your life instead of thinking about how you’ll write it up)
- The aim of documenting is not exercise in self-blame
- Remember not to allow yourself to wallow in the negative aspects of your life
Moreover, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, sad or depressed, reach out to friends, family or seek professional help. By reaching out you will realise that there are a large number of people in a similar situation.
However, the benefits of journaling far outweigh the disadvantages or potential problems. Moreover, you don’t need to be an accomplished writer or a literary genius to benefit from writing down your thoughts and feelings.
Do you know someone going through a similar problem? Leave us a comment or write to us at marcom@unmukt.in to tell us your story or leave us a suggestion.
Unmukt – The Senior Hub is a one-stop hub for seniors, their families and caregivers.