"You can totally be yourself and don't have to worry about other people's opinions."
We've all had those days where everything just seems to go wrong. Maybe your best friend totally blew you off. Or your mom yelled at you for no good reason. Or you really bombed an important history test. Punching a pillow doesn't always do the trick — so how can you really let out all that frustration? Pick up a journal!
Just What the Doctor Ordered
While it won't make your problems magically disappear, writing in a journal is a good way to start sorting things out. It's a place where you can express yourself without having to worry about being criticized or judged. Exploring your feelings can help you understand yourself better, and can give you some insight on how to resolve conflicts with other people in your life.
"Writing in a journal is a healthy release of tensions," says Dr. Lynn Blinn Pike, a former human development and family studies specialist at the University of Missouri-Columbia. "It's a way to gain perspective on emotions and resolve the past." Need more convincing? Dr. Pike also believes that journaling builds confidence and self-control. (And as we all know, confidence is a huge turn-on!)
For Your Eyes Only!
There are no rules about writing in a journal. You can write whatever you want, and you never have to worry about spelling and grammar. Give it a go — you may be surprised at how much you enjoy writing when you don't have to worry about someone grading it.
Your journal is a safe zone — a place where you can say what you need to say but may be too embarrassed or shy to say out loud. Emily, 16, has been writing in a journal since she was 12. She says that the great thing about journaling is that "you can totally be yourself and don't have to worry about other people's opinions." She gets out all of her frustrations in her journal and says that she "couldn't live without it."
So what type of journal is right for you? Take your pick — there are plenty of options:
A personal feelings journal is all about self-reflection and personal expression. No one understands your feelings better than you!
A scrapbook journal is a place for keepsakes and mementos of special occasions in your life. Write a couple of sentences to go with the souvenirs, and save 'em for the grandkids!
A writer's journal is where you can really get creative. Tell the story of your life, or just tell a story! Write a poem, or even a song.
Or try a combination of all these. The point is to make it personal — your journal is completely devoted to YOU. So the next time you're feeling frustrated and punching that pillow doesn't seem to cut it, try picking up a journal, and let it ALL out!
Sexuality and relationship info you can trust from Planned Parenthood® Federation of America
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