Doctor and author Silke Heimes has long advocated for the beneficial effects of writing as therapy. Heimes, a current professor at Darmstadt University of Applied Sciences, draws attention to multiple studies showing that even a few minutes a day dedicated to writing have beneficial effects on health, stress, confidence, and creativity. She thinks of writing as a type of mental hygiene that may help just about everybody.
Getting Started: For those interested in using writing as a means of introspection, Heimes suggests the method of “automatic writing.” For a short duration, say five minutes, you write without stopping to think or make corrections. The point is to write openly and honestly without editing yourself. Heimes suggests starting with fill-in notebooks with prompts or the half-sentence method, in which one completes phrases like “When I woke up this morning…” Use these methods to kickstart your writing process. Possible Pitfalls: Heimes notes that while writing might be beneficial, it can also trigger negative feelings like brooding or distress if the writer doesn’t distinguish between the two. Seeking professional help is suggested if the revelations upset you too much.
Handwriting vs. Typing: Heimes emphasises the differences between the two modes of written expression. Writing by hand is a difficult job that engages more regions of the brain, leading to more imaginative output. Writing also has a meditative effect on the writer by forcing them to slow down and think. One’s emotional condition can be deduced from their distinctive handwriting. However, typing has a soothing cadence to it and makes it much simpler to share written work with others. The two approaches are complementary.
Common Misconceptions: Heimes frequently addresses common misunderstandings throughout her counselling sessions. Many people come in with the false belief that they either can’t write or must immediately produce stuff of literary calibre. Heimes rebuts by saying that everybody is capable of writing and that one should value effort over results. She also stresses the need to not dismiss a person’s therapeutic writing because of superficial flaws. Everyone has an opinion, and it’s important to value those opinions.
Recurring Themes: In Heimes’ writing workshops, participants frequently delve into issues of self-worth, inadequacy, the need for recognition, and the conflicting desires for independence and safety. Different people gain different things from these discussions, but everyone walks away feeling better about themselves and with a clearer head. Heimes cites the work of psychologist James Pennebaker and others who have conducted significant studies on the therapeutic benefits of writing. The many advantages of writing from the heart have been repeatedly demonstrated in research. Personal Experience: Heimes writes frequently and on a wide range of topics. She also does three minutes of spontaneous writing every morning, treating it like a routine part of her day like brushing her teeth.
This article was initially published in Spektrum der Wissenschaft.