Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Putting Things Write

FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING APRIL 23, 2007

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:
"We are healed of a suffering only by expressing it to the full."
~ Marcel Proust

PUT IT IN WRITING!

Find it hard to sleep sometimes? It's not surprising, judging from the number of television and magazine advertisements for drugs to help you get a full night's rest. But before you reach for that bottle on the nightstand, consider one alternative that has been proven to help: writing.


We all know the damage that can be suffered when we "keep it in" and repress our feelings. Just getting it off your chest can provide quite a relief, and it can be as easy as simply putting pen to paper and naming what's really bothering you. Maybe you're feeling pressured at work as a large contract deadline approaches, or your bills are piling up, or you're experiencing chronic pain, or caring for an aging parent. Whatever is worrying you can make you sick.

But there are health benefits to the act of "expressive writing" - writing about events in your life that are causing you anxiety. While the subject may not be easy to face, it may still be easier to write about it than to talk about it. Facing down your fears is a healthy form of coping, and simply revealing the problem, even just on paper, can go a long way towards reducing your blood pressure, enhancing your immune system, and encouraging a good night's sleep.

Try to find a few quiet moments and jot down the issues that are making you toss and turn at night. It won't be the next great American novel, but tackle each problem by examining its cause, and the effect it's having upon you. If you can imagine solutions, no matter how unrealistic they may be, write those down too.

Don't pressure yourself here to solve the problem - just write about it. You might be amazed at how much better you feel afterwards. These Monday morning missives are one way to keep it together, so you are strongly encouraged to pick up a pen or hit the keyboard and try it yourself!

If you're not a writer but you still need to get it all out, consider dictating your thoughts and having a professional transcribe your words for you. Give us a call for more details.

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posted by The Office Grapevine at 11:00 PM  

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