Purge emotional writing
If you’re in need of a quick mental health boost then try this quick 12-minute journalling hack to purge emotions
With writing offering many proven cathartic benefits for your mental health, it’s a good place to start if you’re not having the best of days — and it’s quick too! If you’ve not heard of it before, there’s a brilliant 12-minute writing technique known as Purge Emotional Writing that can help you to unblock and release old emotions that might be weighing you down.
So we asked the folks at online gift emporium, Pen Heaven (penheaven.com), to explore this fantastic and therapeutic journalling technique with us and share some tips on how best to do it.
“In an age where we are surrounded by technology and a constant stream of interruption, Purge Emotional Writing allows you the opportunity for self-reflection and is an excellent technique for surfacing repressed emotions, thus reducing stress and easing anxiety,” it states.
A key expressive method that helps you let go of deep feelings and thoughts to bring mental clarity, the simple exercise of writing for just 12 minutes a day is a brilliant way to cultivate some self-care. Endorsed by health professionals worldwide, writing by hand not only helps quieten the mind and release your emotions, but it can also improve your sleep, boost your energy, and improve your mood.
Championing the handwritten word, particularly for better mental health, Pen Heaven also impresses the importance of making time for yourself each day. From setting out personal goals and achievements to noting affirmations and giving thanks, writing daily is one of the easiest, yet most positive changes you can make for a calmer, happier you. The key difference with this exercise is that when your writing is complete, you simply burn the pages afterwards — no looking back, no reflection, time to move on.
It’s an exercise that works best if you let your words flow freely without trying to control your mind and thoughts. Why not give it a go? (But do be careful when setting fire to paper!) Follow the easy steps below to set your emotions free and find a clearer headspace.
1. Grab a pen and notebook.
2. Prepare to completely immerse yourself in your writing — that means removing all distractions, such as your phone, tablet, internet, etc.
3. Set a timer for 12 minutes.
4. Let your emotions flow to give your writing full freedom without restriction — this is your safe place after all and no subject is off-limits.
5. Stop immediately when your timer goes off and do not read what you have written.
6. Burn everything you have written to feel a true purge effect.
7. And finally, forgive, forget, and let it go – that includes your own mistakes, as well as those of others.
Om Magazine
First published in November 2009, OM Yoga magazine has become the most popular yoga title in the UK. Available from all major supermarkets, independents and newsstands across the UK. Also available on all digital platforms.
