This Week’s Writing Prompt
In the first installment of this five-part series on creative journaling, we found the best solution for writer’s block is to write. Warming up our brains with simple writing exercises unlocks creativity and allows the words to flow.
Another benefit of journaling is how it affects our memory. Does writing down life memories help us remember them better, and does it improve our memory in general? Research shows that it does.
It turns out that when you handwrite something with pen and paper, it stimulates a collection of cells knows as the Reticular Activating System (RAS). The RAS filters the information your mind needs to process and gives more attention to what you’re currently focusing on. Therefore, data is processed at a deeper level when written down because it’s mentally processed as transcribed, as opposed to typing notes and reading them later. The physical act of writing brings the information front and center and triggers your brain to pay close attention.
So, the very act of handwriting activates memory. How about that?
Devote a few minutes of each day to a journaling practice. You might be surprised by how much that simple activity enhances your writing results and stimulates memories.
A Five-Year Journal is the perfect tool with just six lines per day—enough space to jumpstart your creativity. Then, cruise right into working on a portion of your manuscript or story without hesitation.
Print this sample page of our Five-Year Journal to try this journaling prompt and start writing today:
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- Recall a recent dream. Jot down everything you remember, fill in the gaps to make it flow smoothly, and create a brief narrative of your dream.
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Over the next few weeks, we will share several more ways to journal and keep your brain in writing mode.