As a young person living in the twenty-first century, there are countless ways to pursue self-expression. When you have something on your mind, you may find yourself turning to a variety of hobbies to channel it. This could include visual arts, music, dance, and more. Having a hobby of choice that allows you to communicate your emotions is both helpful and productive, but some may find it hard to redirect their attention away from social media.
The general public understands social media platforms as opportunities to speak their minds openly and honestly, which can be a positive thing. Through social media, you can meet like-minded people, create friendships, and educate yourself on hundreds of topics. Yet, social media is not necessarily the best space for young people to express themselves.
Here’s why. Most social media platforms have age restrictions of around 12-13 years old, but it is common for kids to gain access to such platforms at younger ages. The temptation of social media is strong, as kids can be drawn to the open aspects of certain platforms. However, having a social media presence as a child can be extremely unsafe, especially if a child is posting freely about their personal life. For kids who are interested in the self-expression aspect of social media, one of the best ways to take redirect their attention away from the internet is with hobbies such as journaling.
As mentioned above, you as a young person may communicate your thoughts and feelings through mediums such as music and dance. While these are productive options, not all kids have a natural ability to take up music, dance, or visual arts. These kids may then be attracted to social media platforms to build an identity. Instead of embracing the complex world of the internet at a young age, young people can express their identities through the simple hobby of journaling.
Here are ways journaling can improve the quality of children’s lives:
Promotes Mental Wellness
As you grow, you are going to face a variety of new experiences in life which will challenge your mental health. A great way to deal with such changes is by keeping a personal journal where you are free to write about whatever is on your mind. By keeping a journal, your entries can be a private space for you to unload and reflect on your current situations. By expressing yourself in your journal, you can work through difficult moments of life without overthinking. Releasing stress through journaling is an excellent way to improve your overall mood, and even strengthen your confidence.
Sharpen Written Skills
If you have ever struggled with literacy and writing skills in school, taking up journaling as a hobby can boost your abilities. When you keep a journal regularly, you allow yourself the time to practice writing effectively, by describing what goes on in your everyday life. Communicating your thoughts into text is a great way to improve your written comprehension, which can come in handy with your academics. If you need new writing inspiration, Google different journal prompts that can get your creative juices flowing.
Exercise Critical Thinking
When you decide to keep a journal, you are allowing yourself to exercise your critical thinking skills. By detailing the ups and downs of your life through text, you are allowing yourself the time to reflect on certain issues and even make informed decisions. Journaling, whether it be a daily or weekly task, can help you work through personal problems and even learn from your mistakes. Being able to identify, describe, and address obstacles by writing about them can also enhance your coping strategies for the future.
A Book of Memories
One of the greatest things about having a personal journal is using it as a time capsule of sorts. When you practice journaling, you are essentially creating a snapshot of your life at a specific time. Through this, you can keep your journals and read them in the distant future to reconnect with your past. This can be a fun and even emotional way to revisit your memories and reflect on how far you have come while growing up. Feel free to add pictures to your journal for a highly-personalized touch.
Overall, there are several ways for young people to take control of their emotions. If you decide that music, visual arts, or dancing is for you, those mediums can greatly improve your mood and overall quality of life. Of course, not every child is gifted in those areas. Instead, kids who find themselves disconnected from the arts can practice the hobby of journaling to cope with their issues. To learn more about the advantages of journaling, visit the source material at the Parenting For Brain website.
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