[Ringle] The Science Behind Journaling; Pen, Paper & Power

 The Science Behind Journaling; Pen, Paper & Power 

Updated: 2024.01.26

3 min read · Intermediate

 

Journaling, in its essence, is the act of writing down our thoughts, feelings, and actions. This process can be carried out [1] in a variety of different ways, allowing you to express yourself in a unique and individual way.

Has it ever struck you to try to journal? Or do you already reap [2] the benefits of putting pen to power?

For centuries now, people have kept journals, with one of the earliest records tracing back to the second century CEAD by Marcus Aurelius, the former emperor of Rome. Commonly praised for his wisdom and philosophical thinking, he helped pioneer the movement of journaling and inspired many to embrace the act of journaling.

The purpose of journaling is particularly noticeable at moments when we feel a decrease in the quality of our thoughts. Research studies demonstrate the positive effects that journaling has on our brains and bodies, ranging from a greater ability to process emotions to having a healthier immune system.

How does journaling influence our brain?

In a nutshell [3], journaling offers us a medium through which our often confusing, convoluted [4] thoughts can be transmuted [5] into a more digestible format. When written down, our thoughts can bring us into the present moment and take a form that is more real, categorized, controllable, and conscious. Thus, journaling allows us to perceive and react to adverse situations in a similar manner. In addition, the repetitive act of writing down what goes on in our heads leads to strengthened cognitive processes such as problem-solving, thinking, and remembering.

How do our bodies react to journaling?

The effective process of removing our thoughts from our minds and transporting them to a paper allows for more space to relax. In turn, this results in a better mood, reduced stress, enhanced sleep, and greater immune function.

Have you ever tried journaling? If yes, how was the experience? Did you notice any changes in your brain or body? If not, do you think journaling would be favorable to incorporate in your daily life?

 

 핵심 표현 
1. carry out
수행하다
execute or perform a task; fulfill or accomplish
예문 1
The team was determined to carry out the project despite the challenges.
팀은 어려움 속에서도 프로젝트를 수행하기로 결심했습니다.
예문 2
She carried out her duties as a nurse with great compassion and care.
그녀는 큰 연민과 보살핌으로 간호사로서의 임무를 수행했습니다.

2. reap
거두다, 수확하다
receive something as a consequence of one's actions or efforts
예문 1
After years of hard work, he finally reaped the rewards of his dedication.
수년간의 노력 끝에 마침내 그는 헌신에 대한 보상을 거두었습니다.
예문 2
Farmers reap the harvest in the autumn after a season of careful tending.
농부들은 한 계절 동안 정성스럽게 가꾼 후 가을에 수확을 거둡니다.

3. in a nutshell
간단히 말하면, 요약하자면
summarized briefly and concisely; in a few words
예문 1
To put it in a nutshell, the plan aims to reduce pollution and increase sustainability.
이 계획을 한마디로 요약하면 오염을 줄이고 지속가능성을 높이는 것입니다.
예문 2
In a nutshell, the book's message is about the power of resilience and hope.
이 책의 메시지를 한마디로 요약하면 회복력과 희망의 힘에 관한 것입니다.

4. convoluted
복잡하고 이해하기 어려운; 복잡하고 난해한.
complex and difficult to understand; intricate and complicated
예문 1
The plot of the novel was so convoluted that I had to read several chapters twice.
소설의 줄거리가 너무 복잡해서 여러 챕터를 두 번 읽어야 했습니다.
예문 2
His explanation was convoluted, but I managed to grasp the main idea.
그의 설명은 복잡했지만 나는 주요 아이디어를 파악할 수 있었다.

5. transmute
바꾸다, 변화하다
change or alter in form, appearance, or nature, especially to a higher form
예문 1
The alchemist sought to transmute base metals into gold.
연금술사는 기본 금속을 금으로 변환하려고 했습니다.
예문 2
Through the process of education, simple ideas can be transmuted into profound wisdom.
교육의 과정을 통해 단순한 아이디어가 심오한 지혜로 바뀔 수 있습니다

 

https://youtu.be/n0w8mZBgfdg?si=517w3uV3gXfxfOPL

 

https://youtu.be/btxVXcRDhqY?si=8vjnNeVr7nFhlPiD

 

https://www.roxana-cristina.com/blog/the-power-of-writing-journaling

The Power of Writing - The Journaling Technique — Tools for Self-Improvement

 

https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/supersurvivors/202009/the-power-journaling

The Power of Journaling

 

 QnA 

Q1. In your own words, please briefly summarize the article.
R1. This article explains the benefits and importance of journaling. Journaling serves as a means of self-expression and organization, helping to refine and organize the thoughts that come to mind. The history of journaling dates back a long time in human history, and in modern times, it plays a role in reducing stress and managing emotions for individuals, while also improving the quality of sleep.
Q2. What part of the reading resonated with you most?

R2. Journaling helps to organize and structure the cluttered thoughts in our minds, acting as a way to cleanse our brains. Personally, when I feel overwhelmed by negative emotions or my mind feels tangled, I find it helpful to write something down as a way of sorting things out.
Q3. Have you written in a journal before? Did you find it beneficial for your mental health?
R3. I don't write a diary regularly, but when it comes to work, I make it a habit to jot down my daily tasks and priorities, keeping records and staying organized. As for personal diaries, I mostly write on emotionally challenging days or when my mind feels cluttered. I find that writing a diary helps me alleviate negative emotions and thoughts after I'm done.
Q4. Does writing by hand feel different than typing on a computer for you? Explain.
R4. These days, most people use typing for recording and editing, but I still consider myself quite analog. Especially when writing emotionally, I prefer the feeling of putting pen to paper. I believe that even the handwriting reflects the mood and attitude of that day. That's why, when I write a letter to someone, I always write it by hand.
Q5. How do you cope with the stressors of everyday life?
R5. I mainly release daily stress through exercise because I enjoy being active. Moreover, when the stress level becomes overwhelming, I go on trips. Being in a new environment, surrounded by new things, allows me to distance myself from my existing worries and problems. I consider this process as gaining objectivity. When I take a step back and look at my problems from a distance, I often realize that they aren't as big as I initially thought.
Q6. Do you struggle to put thoughts down on paper? Why or why not?
R6. I prefer transferring my thoughts onto paper. I enjoy the tactile sensation of using a pencil or pen, and I also like the sound of the scribbling when I write. The comfort and focus that come with the act of writing appeal to me. I find it to be a satisfying process to capture the thoughts floating in my mind and put them into words.
Q7. Why do you think journaling improves immune function?
R7. Writing a diary is one of the ways to effectively manage stress, and effective stress management is akin to maintaining a healthy immune system. Therefore, if I can alleviate my emotions and stress in a healthy way through writing a diary, it's only natural that both my mental and physical resilience will improve.
Q8. What activities are related or similar to journaling?
R8. I believe that activities similar to journaling include drawing pictures or cooking. In the process of expressing oneself or bringing to life the feelings that come to mind, people can engage in self-expression and self-realization.

Q9. If you have a question or questions that you'd like to discuss during your class, please write them down.

R9.I'm curious to know if you enjoy writing in a journal and if you write regularly. If you do enjoy journaling, could you share what kind of content you typically write about? Also, I'd be interested to hear if there have been any recent journal entries that have been particularly memorable or meaningful to you and what they were about.

 

✏️ Tutor's Editing Place

At the last year, I went to LA. So I am attending English class in morning, and attend Ringle. Before going to work, I go to the English class. The commute between class and work is 5 minutes.

⮕   Last year, I traveled to LA and I felt insecure about my English language level. It felt inadequate. It has motivated me to start studying English, so every week day I attend an English class in the morning and I do Ringle once a week. It's also super convenient for me to take the English classes since they are only 5 minutes from where I work.

⮕    don't use commute for five minutes, you use commute for longer distance like work to home.

 

Who were you before the world told you who to be?

Can you remember who you were, before the world told you who you should be

 

Describing who am I, w e should throw out our life. This is my life task.

⮕    I feel as if it is my life's work to be able to define "who I am". I am always debating this question in my head "who am I?" and seeking to better understand the deepest parts of myself.

⮕    You can joke about this by saying "I am always in an identity crisis." I enjoy having deep philosophical conversations about the meaning of life and the individuals role in society.

 

zodiac signs?

 

If I am interested in something than I keep focusing on that. Have you ever become fixated on a certain part of your identity?

⮕    I am the type of person that once I start a project or thought process I have to reach a conclusion. I will stop at nothing. I tend to hyper-fixate on certain questions or work projects.

⮕    you can use "hyper" as prefix before words to indicate that you do something a lot, too much; Sometimes after drinking a lot of coffee, I am hyper-active and I can't stop moving. "I will stop at nothing" common phrase.

 

I think I am workaholic. I am fixated on my career. Working is such a big part of my life and who am I because working describes what can I do in our society. I think making a better city is giving a good environment for my people. I'm fixated when I love when I enjoy. Focusing on my Emotion is a way of expressing myself so I want to focus on when I love and when I'm sad, what happens I feel some feelings.

⮕     I am trying to be more self-aware, and therefore, I will admit I am a workaholic. I am hyper-fixated on my career because my work life is such a large part of my identity and it's what I currently care about the most. I find it incredibly rewarding and worthwhile to put my energy and effort into creating a better, well-functioning society. I also enjoy entertaining my emotions. I think, as a human, it is important to be able to sit with your emotions and feel everything from pure joy to grave sadness.

⮕     worthwhile is perfect for describing something that you are putting a lot of time and energy into; grave means serious; "I like to sit with my emotions"

 

If I am stressed, I go to outside. If the stress is overwhelming, I go on a trip. Being in new environment it helps me change my mood. Keep the distance from me, helps to see myself.

⮕      If I am really down in the dumps, I will go on a trip. Being in a fresh environment, allows me to face my emotions head on and think about them anew. It allows me to process these hard emotions and feel everything before moving on. really sad or not doing well; "think about them anew" allows you to have a different, more forgiving perspective on your own emotions and what you are going through. You will be more empathetic towards yourself.