How expressive writing helps to cope with stress
Productivity A Life / / December 19, 2019
Scientists from the University of Michigan found that a written statement of their feelings helps relieve stress and cope with the difficult task.
The study involved students who have noted a constant feeling of anxiety. They performed on the computer test, the fixing accuracy of their responses and reaction time. Before that, about half of the group tested for eight minutes recorded their thoughts and emotions regarding the upcoming tasks. And the other half describes the events of the past day.
It was found that the subjects of the first group, that is, those participants who used the method of expressive writing, it was easier to cope with the test.
As shown by an electroencephalogram made during the assignment the students, they used fewer brain resources.
According to the explanations of scientists concerned about students who poured onto the paper his excitement, we could get rid of this burden, and We work productively. And those who did not, spend more brain resources to accomplish the task.
Hans Schroeder, senior author of the study, a graduate student at Michigan State University in the field of psychology, doctor-intern in a mental hospital McLean at Harvard Medical SchoolPeople who are constantly worried, are multitasking as they perform the job and at the same time trying to control and contain their excitement. Throwing out from the head of disturbing thoughts by writing them down on paper, you will free the cognitive resources. This will allow you to work more efficiently and to complete the task.
It is believed that expressive writing helps overcome the psychological traumas of the past. Studies have proved that this technique is useful and more in preparation for the difficult tasks.
Knowing that ahead waits a stressful situation, people in advance "burns" because of their experiences. It makes the mind work in a tense mode. Writing down your feelings and emotions, you free up your mind before the difficult task. Because of this, it's easier to cope with stress both, and with the task.
see also
- 9 simple and effective ways to relieve stress →
- 22 unexpected ways to cope with anxiety →
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