Write

When writing we heal the mind by allowing it to flow out into the world instead of being stuck talking to oneself. One form is taking the time to write letters to people in your life. Remember! You don’t have to send the letters and the letters do not have to be complete. Use this as an exercise to get out what you need to say. (“ICF Speaking Up” playlist.)

Whether you write to yourself or others to forgive, to express love and gratitude, to communicate how you are feeling or to convey a message - writing a letter can be a great way to release emotion and get out of your head. 

Another great way to help get out of your head is journaling. Journaling can help you better understand and articulate your thoughts and feelings, and help you gain clarity on inner conflict and joy. It is a great tool for processing and reflection that you can choose to keep to yourself or share with others.

Activations:

  1. Click here for some letter writing prompts to get you thinking

  2. CBT journaling activities

  3. Gratitude journaling

Resources:

  1. Detailed guide to CBT journaling

  2. Article - Benefits of Gratitude: 28+ Surprising Research Findings

  3. Article - How to Write a Gratitude Letter

  4. Video (1hr+) - The Science of Gratitude & How to Build a Gratitude Practice

  5. Video (3min) - Science-Based Tips on How to Write & Deliver a Gratitude Letter

  6. Gratitude Practice - Jewel’s Gratitude Practice on JewelNeverBroken.com

  7. Book - The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron

  8. ICF youth made “Speaking Up” playlist”

Hotline information: If you are in crisis please call the mental health hotline and dial 988. You can also text ‘HERO’ to 741741.