Why Feeling Your Feels is the Best Therapy

I’ve always believed that feelings are meant to be felt, not pushed aside or bottled up. Life gets tough, and sometimes, it’s easier to shove our emotions down rather than deal with them. But I’ve learned that this doesn’t make the feelings go away—instead, they just pile up, waiting to burst out when you least expect it. That’s why I’ve found that one of the most healing things you can do is to face your emotions head-on. For me, journaling has become a key part of this process.

Facing the Feelings

There was a time when I thought that if I just ignored my emotions, they’d eventually disappear. Spoiler alert: they didn’t. Instead, they lingered, popping up as stress, anxiety, and even physical aches. 

Our emotions are like little messengers, trying to tell us something. Ignoring them is like ignoring your car’s check engine light. It might seem fine now, but problems can arise if you don’t address them. So, let’s give those feelings a warm welcome, shall we?

Related: Different Ways to Cultivate Calmness Within

Journaling: Your Personal Therapist

I’ve found that journaling is like having a super supportive, non-judgmental friend. It’s a space where you can dump out all your thoughts and feelings. I was able to confront them without fear of judgment or misunderstanding. Plus, there’s something really impactful about seeing your thoughts on paper. It helps you make sense of everything going on in your head.

The Healing Power of Journaling

So, why is journaling good for your health? It’s more than just getting things off your chest (though that’s definitely a plus!). It’s like hitting the reset button on your mind. It can help you:

• Chill out: Seriously, journaling can work wonders for reducing stress and anxiety.
• Clear your head: Ever felt like your brain is a tangled mess? Journaling can help untangle those knots.
• Know yourself better: It’s like peeling back the layers of an onion (without the tears, hopefully). You'll discover your strengths, weaknesses, and patterns.
• Heal your heart: Putting your feelings into words, can help you process tough experiences and start to heal.

The act of writing allows you to process what you’re feeling in a way that’s both therapeutic and revealing. I found that by journaling regularly, I was able to track my emotional journey, noticing patterns and triggers that I hadn’t seen before. Using a guided journal for healing, was a game-changer. It provided structure on days when my mind felt chaotic, making it easier to sit down and just write. The consistency of journaling also gave me a sense of stability, which was comforting when everything else felt out of control.

Journaling Prompts for Healing

Need a little push to start? Try these prompts:

• What’s really bugging me right now?
• Why am I feeling this way?
• How can I be kinder to myself?

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to journal. Just let your thoughts flow.

Related: Inclusion Notebook

Guided Journals for Mental Health

If you’re new to journaling, a guided journal can be a great starting point. They provide prompts and exercises to help you explore your emotions. It’s like having a personal coach cheering you on.

So, let’s make a pact. Let’s try to feel our feelings, instead of stuffing them down. Let’s grab a journal and start exploring our inner world. Whether you use a guided journal for healing or create your own approach, the act of writing can help you process your feelings in a meaningful way. 

Your mental health matters, friend.

Related: Journaling Your Emotions: How Can It Help Your Mental Health