Writing & Well-Being: Pt 2

Day 3 of 31: 200 Words-a-Day Challenge

I greet you today with 287 words concerning the connections between writing and physical and mental well-being, Part 2. Our rules for this challenge are simple. If you need my prompt below, use it. If not, still write. JUST WRITE. If you chose to share (we hope you do; that’s also kinda the point of this challenge!), post what you wrote into the comments below.

When you comment on others’ shared writing: (1) be kind, (2) don’t critique unless the author explicitly requests it, (3) tell the author what in their writing resonated with you, or made you think differently, or was an ‘aha’ for you.

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Writing and Well-Being: Part 2

In yesterday’s article, I talked about the connection between self-expression and physical well-being, and I shared how I first recognized this was real in my life. I strongly believe a connection between self-expression and mental health is true, too.

Some of you have heard my stories—even experienced them along with me—of being stressed and depressed while I was still in my corporate job. Deeply in debt at one point, I couldn’t see any way out of the situation. So, I hung in there while still trying, mostly unsuccessfully, to keep up my writing practice, sometimes doing morning pages before work, sometimes journaling at night before bed, giving my novel attention only on vacations or weekends.

I could maintain that for a while, but a work deadline would arrive, causing me to work 60-70 hours for weeks on end, totally blowing my writing practice… and we know how hard it is to return to a habit once broken.

I would come out the other side of those work-deadline marathons haggard, depressed, even angry (another story). My sleep, my relationships, my behavior would be impacted for weeks after.

One morning, I struggled to get my grumpy, miserable self out of bed and showered. Preparing for the long drive to the office, I felt my husband watching me from his vantage point at the kitchen island.

“You aren’t writing, are you.” It was a statement, not a question.

He somehow knew, but not until that instant, did I fully understand the role my writing plays in my mental health. It was a true wake-up call. Even when life is a whirlwind, writing is my saving grace. Needless to say, I got back to it. My husband happily noticed.

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Your Prompt / Day 3 of 31

Reflect on times when you were--and were not--writing regularly. What were your circumstances at the time? Consider: What was happening internally, e.g., your self esteem, your motivation and energy levels, your attitudes, your values, etc. Also, what was going on in your job? your relationships? school or other activities you were engaged in then? In retrospect, did your writing practice--or lack of it-- affect your general mental fitness.

If you’ve missed previous prompts, just jump in wherever you are.

Share your response to the prompt, or at least 200 words about any issue that’s on your mind, in comments or Notes. Write. [Muster Courage.] Share. Done!

Thanks for playing along with me! Please invite your friends.

#200wordsaday #writingchallenge #WritingSavedMe