Journaling Towards Emotional Well-Being and Success

After reading the Psychology Today article, Writing Your Way Through Emotional Pain, Miss Dotson, a High School Social Studies teacher at Union Academy, was inspired to teach her students methods for gaining positive emotional health and gratitude.  She began this project in December with a discussion about the article and the purported benefits of "Morning Pages" or journaling.  This led to classroom discussion about the benefits or detriments of our self-talk, or the constant stream of thoughts that float around in our subconscious. For many teenagers the self-talk is often negative and unproductive.  According to the article, journaling is an excellent tool for a person to tune into their feelings and move towards achieving goals and happiness.  Miss Dotson put these discussions into action by giving her students 10 minutes in class each week to journal.  

"Think of it as a time to empty your brain.  You can write down anything that comes to mind.  This is your time.  It is my gift to you,"  she told her students.  At first, many students were uncomfortable with the assignment and especially with the silence. "Most teens have not been taught to tune in to their own thoughts and feelings," said school counselor Kelly Brun.  "Instead they are constantly bombarded with technology and social interaction."  With guidance, support, and repetition, Miss Dotson's students now understand and appreciate the weekly warm-up.  "As a Junior, I have a lot of stress thinking about college, scholarships, and my grades.  By writing it all down, I feel more calm and on top of all those lingering tasks," states UA student Autumn Richard.

According to Miss Dotson, students now request to have time for Morning Pages.  "I think that many of my students have discovered the value of journaling and have found common themes in their negative thoughts or feelings."  Awareness of those patterns leads to change and that change leads to success in life.  Mrs. Brun sees the long-term value in teaching students to self-reflect.  "If kids can learn at a young age the power of thoughts, they can tap into that power and move towards success."