Journaling is largely a neglected practice, but one that brings key physical and psychological benifits. Holding back thoughts and feelings is really very hard work.
Constant stress can lead to severe illness.
In studies of individuals who had experienced divorce or another emotional trauma, those who kept their emotions bottled up were more likely to develop high blood pressure and other stress-related ailments. In other studies, people who bared pent-up feelings showed lasting declines in blood pressure and heart rate. Research confirms that writing about your emotions can prevent illness. Research confirms that writing about your emotions can dissipate anger. Research confirms that writing about your emotions can ease depression.