Creative writing has been around for centuries and has been seen as a way for writers to explore their thoughts and feelings through the use of written language. More recently, creative writing has been used as a way to process various types of trauma and stress, resulting in healthier and happier writers.
While the benefits of creative writing are numerous, so are the factors that could potentially put you in bad health. For instance, spending too much time in front of the computer screen can lead to vision problems and even headaches. Excessive alcohol use can lead to memory loss and damage to the liver. And if you’re a woman, you’re at a heightened risk for several types of cancer, including breast and ovarian cancer.
So, if you’re looking to invest in your health, consider checking out creative writing as a potential therapy or as a supplement to traditional medicine. But, before you do, you need to understand what effects it can have on your body and mind.
Positive Effects On Your Health
Creative writing has been shown to have several positive effects on your health. First off, it can be a great way to destress. When you put your thoughts into words, it can help you process your feelings and deal with your stressors. During times of high stress, your body produces cortisol, a hormone that controls your internal functions, such as blood sugar levels and liver function. When cortisol levels are high, your immune system weakens and makes you more susceptible to disease.
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For this reason, when you finish writing a novel or go through a creative writing course, your cortisol levels will start to decrease. This, in turn, can result in less stress and a healthier you.
In addition to decreasing your cortisol levels, creative writing has been shown to improve your mental health. When you’re writing, you’re not just thinking about your words or the plot; you’re also developing your creative side, exercising your brain, and getting into the zen state of mind. In other words, you’re thinking outside of the box and training your brain to be more adaptable – two things that will make you a happier and healthier person.
Potential Health Risks
While there are many benefits to creative writing, there are some risks associated with this hobby. First, if you’re not used to writing in this way, it can be a daunting task to put your thoughts down on paper. Second, if you’re not used to expressing yourself through writing, it can be difficult to find the right words to express how you feel about certain things. Finally, if you’re not careful, you can easily end up spending too much time in front of the computer screen, which, as we’ve established, can cause health problems. To avoid these issues, make sure you take frequent breaks during which you stand, move around, and get some light physical activity.
Recommendations
Based on the evidence, it’s clear that creative writing can have a positive effect on your health. If you’re thinking about exploring this therapeutic tool, make sure you consult with your doctor for advice. In addition, if you want to be a healthier and happier person, consider taking up creative writing as a hobby.