Power-Writing Reduces Stress

© by Jennifer McLeod writing as jenjen0703, all rights reserved.

As a child, I learned how to read and write at a young age. Words have interested me as long as I can remember. By the age of 5, I usually had a different Walt Disney book in my hand each day. I can remember the white birch tree in the back yard. I could climb that tree so high that I could see the top of our house. I would climb up to the top with a book and sit and read.

Handwriting was another task that intrigued me. I would spend hours practicing my letters and my penmanship. I had a goal, then, to have perfect handwriting. I have seven journals of writing that I have kept over the years. When I was 12 years old, I hijacked my mother's old ribbon-style, manual typewriter, and taught myself how to type. There was a chart in the side pocket of the case that showed me the home row keys and where to place my fingers.

At that time, I had no idea the value in what I had learned. Later, I used my newly acquired skills to receive easy A's in various classes that required me to type. Public schools were not even offering computer classes at this time.

Now that I am older, I do not dwell on my signature. My writing involves a keyboard and a computer. I do not journal much anymore, and instead, use my thoughts for freelance writing online (this sure does cut back on the paper usage).

I am a talker. I love to talk and express myself best with words. I have found that regular writing can be extremely therapeutic when you are having a bad day. Power-writing will help also help combat depression.

Later on, a wise person gave me a piece of advice about therapeutic writing. She advised me to set a timer for 10 or 15 minutes and write. I was told not to stop writing and to write down whatever crossed my mind until the timer beeped, signaling that my time is over.

Do not hold back on power-writing. Keep it real and be honest with yourself. This tactic is most effective when you get everything off your chest.

The amazing thing about this therapeutic method is what you read when you are finished. It gave me fantastic ideas to write articles on when I started freelance writing. Since I began writing online, I have only had to do one power-writing session. It resulted in the following hub: Have Strength in Tough Times.

Your environment makes a difference in the outcome of your writing. If you are arguing with your spouse and are able to "cut the tension with a knife", it is a good idea that you find a quiet place to put your thoughts on paper. It is difficult to concentrate when there are noisy distractions around you. Being angry and arguing with another person can keep your mind away from the task at hand. I know when I am angry or stressed out, I have a difficult time staying still in one place or concentrating on work.

Where you choose to write in your home can affect the outcome, too. When I first began freelance writing, I would sit on the couch or in bed while I worked. I found that doing this caused me to become too comfortable, and I would fall asleep. I decided to work at my desk or kitchen table because I do not relax enough to be able to fall asleep. I have to apply this to my schoolwork as well.

My favorite place to hide when I write is in downtown Battle Creek, along the Battle Creek River. This area, along the Linear Path, has beautiful landscaping and enormous rocks that I sit on while I write. It is easy to lose track of time when you are sitting there. It is quiet, and the place where I sit is well-concealed by people who are walking by on the trail. They would have to come to the edge of the river and look down the rocks to see me.

Give power-writing a try the next time you are stressed out. Keep your notes because they might be useful later on in your life. You could do as I did and turn them into writing articles by joining HubPages and bringing them to life and help others, too.

I never expected to become a freelance writer, but I am truly amazed at how much fun it has been. I have a voice for issues I believe in, and people enjoy my stories. I am grateful for the people who send me feedback and asking me for advice, complimenting my stories, and understanding that I am doing this for the better of society, not just for personal gain.