Practicing self-care is more than just exercising and eating healthy. However, it's also crucial to develop habits that nurture your mental health. Writing can be a powerful tool to ease your mind and allow your creativity to flourish. According to writer and psychotherapist Karen Dempsey, writing is a self-care activity that she highly recommends to her clients. “In my work as a psychotherapist, I encourage my clients to keep a journal – or at least to allow themselves to write freely when they have pent-up emotions that need to be aired. ‘Better out then in’ is my mantra,” Dempsey explains in her article, “How Expressive Writing Can Support Your Mental Health.” Whether you choose to keep a daily journal, anyone can use writing to improve their mental health. Anyone can benefit from exploring and understanding emotions through writing.

Self-Care Daily Recap

Incorporating writing into your daily routine allows you to unwind and spend quiet time alone before bed, after work, or whenever suits you best. Write and reflect on the peaks and valley of your day to track your progress, accomplishments, and challenges you have overcome. Using your favorite pen will help you look forward to writing at the end of the day. Try the new Sarasa Grand, or the STEEL G-402 for a smooth performance and attractive barrel.

Optimist-Only Writing

This technique allows you to find positivity in any day. Optimist-only writing exercises your ability to let go of negativity, and focus solely on positive emotions that you may feel on a daily or weekly basis. Write about how obstacles will make you a better employee, student, and person. Create a bullet journal spread of positive mantras, and use Zebra Mildliners to decorate and color.

Expressive Writing

Expressive writing allows you to record an authentic, raw stream of consciousness without paying attention to perfect handwriting or grammar. Allow your creativity to take over, and use fun products like Zensations Fountain Pens or Sarasa Fineliners.