Why you should write in 2022

When looking at the topic of writing in this article, I’m referring to the abundance of creative expressions it can take from poetry, song writing and even journaling. There have been several studies of research on the benefits of this craft. I will link some of these at the bottom of this article. Many of these focus on the positive affects writing has on our emotions, thought processes and our overall wellbeing. Considering the last two years we’ve had during the global pandemic, this could be the best time for you to start or even continue with the practise – even for just five minutes a day.

When I think of the benefits of writing for myself, I can relate to a lot of these findings. Even pencilling in just 10 minutes a day, can settle my jumbled psyche and gives me a feeling of achievement. In 10 minutes. Here is just a small list of what the act of writing brings me, which I’ll go into more detail about:

· provides a sense of clarity and control

· relieves mental and physical tension

· caters towards ‘me time’

· brings a feeling of accomplishment

· gets my creative juices flowing

· provides a break from everything else going on

As I mentioned, I don’t think most of us could have predicted the monumental impact of our current pandemic. I certainly didn’t think I would see something like this in my lifetime. Living in one of the world’s most locked down cities – sup, Melbourne? – I certainly needed to find new ways of adapting to a very different life, pre-covid.

During this time, a flourish of online writers emerged. Some documenting their day-to-day life, while others took up writing as a new hobby, or one they always wanted to try. If writing has the same impacts on them as it does on me, then I’m not surprised by this and welcome them to the dark side with open arms.

So why should you write in 2022? Should it be just because of the pandemic or is there something more to this art form that you can gain infinite benefits from?

Let’s look at the small samples I’ve given above, shall we?

Provides a sense of clarity and control

I don’t know about you, but my anxiety has been a swaying pendulum over the last couple of years. One moment I’m feeling content in my home, the place I feel the safest, and reassured I will get through this like any other in a locked-down city. Next, my heart is racing, I start to sweat and my mind is fogging with questions:

· What will the new ‘normal’ be?

· Will I want to leave the house when this is all over?

· Do I really want to be part of society again?

You get the point, and maybe experienced similar thoughts yourself. I found that writing played a considerable part in elbowing these reflections and feelings aside, as it allowed me to focus on something I could control amongst the chaos.

What I write is completely up to me. The media don’t have a say in it. Or my boss. Or my loved ones. Not even my cat (although, he does give his opinions quite freely these days). No one else. Just me.

With that empowerment in mind, I would open a fresh page – digital or physical – and start pouring whatever I wanted onto it. Clarity would soon take over, whether that was writing my novel, a list of my home activities for the day, or how I was feeling in that moment.

This brings me to the next benefit writing has for me…

Relieves mental and physical tension

Tension can take a hold in many forms, be it mental or physical. I found when I began to write, my mental tension would ebb away, with the physical tension to follow. My posture wouldn’t be slouched or rigid, the stiffness in my shoulders and neck would ease, and my muscles would start to relax. Most of the time, I wasn’t even aware of how tense my body was until after writing when I stood up to go make a cuppa.

Would it replace a full body massage? I wish! I just know that I move differently after writing. Not only that, I think differently. I have a brighter and more positive mindset. Any additional stresses life throws at me, I address with a much calmer mind.

Once I noticed these benefits more, I would set my alarm or stopwatch to 10 minutes daily, purely for writing.

Caters towards ‘me time’

You would think being in a locked down city for months on end, all I’d have is free time? You, my friend, are mistaken. I was lucky enough to still be working during the pandemic. In this time, however, there was a lot going on in my personal life that left me feeling extremely overwhelmed. I know I’m not alone in admitting this.

Most of us know the importance of having a little ‘me time’ and the benefits it can bring. I chose writing as a way of doing this. I started off with a notebook I would write in everyday about how I was feeling, mention something I’m grateful for, and what I wanted to accomplish for the day.

Soon, that escalated to writing up designs and checklists on how to get Pen to Print off the ground. I would spend 10-30 minutes planning what I envisioned for my humble business and, more importantly, the ways in which I could help new and emerging writers with their projects.

Next, I would start writing my novel, take research notes related to business and book ideas, and start planning my future projects. Before I knew it, I’d gone over the 30 minutes. Sometimes hours would go by before I noticed. I’d walk away from my desk feeling proud, excited and looking forward to doing it again the next day.

Brings a feeling of accomplishment

I’ve mentioned this a few times, so I’ll try to keep this part brief. Even if you start off with just five minutes and a to-do list, you will feel a sense of satisfaction, even if it’s small. From there, you can naturally build up to other forms of writing and increased time frames.

When we look at something like novel writing – a goal a lot of writers have, regardless of the genre – this can seem like a gargantuan feat to accomplish, or even start. I mean, how does one go about writing a 60,000+ word novel?

Baby steps.

Start off with your achievable time frame, whether that’s five minutes or an hour, on your chosen day/s and go from there. Maybe you’re a plotter (someone who likes to map out what will happen in each chapter) or a pantser (you let the words flow out and see where it all goes). I’ll be discussing more about the plotter vs panster in an upcoming article. Either method is right, as long as it works for you.

Set a target of writing one paragraph to begin with in your chosen time frame. When you smash that goal, you will feel fantastic, trust me!

Gets the creative juices flowing

You’ll find the more you practise your writing and getting into that routine, the more creative your mind will become. Say you’re working on a cookbook; you’ll find inspiration as you work on your project. This could be new ingredients, a spin on an original cuisine, ideas for how you’d like your book presented and ways to market it.

If it’s your great novel you’re wanting to work on, you’ll be thinking about the plot and characters long after you’ve finished writing for the day. You may even see ideas you can incorporate from your day-to-day life to include. I often type these on my phone if I’m out so I don’t forget to explore these ideas further when I’m back at my desk.

I’ll warn you now: you could end up slightly* obsessed with your new hobby and the joy it brings to your life.

*Stage-five clinger, teenage girl fandom, think the Beatles in the ‘60s – you get what I mean.

Provides a break from everything else going on

This final point encapsulates everything you’ve read above. Writing will improve your mental health and overall wellbeing. It will allow you the important ‘me time’ I mentioned earlier. It’ll assist with clarity and give you a sense of control (especially in times when you feel like nothing else is). Your sense of accomplishment will be even greater, and you’ll be inspired to continue what you’ve started.

All these things equal a break from everything else you have going on. In your nominated time frame, you give yourself permission to put everything else on pause and do something that is just for you.

For a lot of people, writing is their lifeline, regardless of the form it takes. You will see links below to articles that speak in more detail on the benefits of this wonderful craft. If you’re not convinced just yet, I recommend giving them a read.

So why should you write in 2022? You have nothing to lose and so much to gain.

Until next time, happy writing!

*I do not have any affiliations with these links, nor are they paid promotions*

Below are just some links available on the benefits of writing. You will notice some repetition in certain points mentioned throughout, but also different opinions and helpful links. There is a plethora of articles, blogs and studies on this subject. I encourage you to do some research if you need more convincing.

The Psychological Benefits of Writing by Gregory Ciotti from Help Scout

30 Reasons Why Writing is Important by Colleen from Inspired Forward

7 Reasons Why Writing is Important by Find Online Courses