The Write Prescription - Part 1

Nurturing the healer within

Photo credit: Unsplash

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Here in the UK, the NHS stands at a critical juncture with junior doctors taking to the picket lines this week, their grievances echoing the strain felt across the healthcare system.  I’ve had the honour of working and collaborating with various healthcare practitioners over the past couple of years, engaging in discussion about the invaluable merits of therapeutic journaling, not just for their patients but for their own well-being.

From seasoned GPs to dedicated oncologists and compassionate nurses, the common thread binding these amazing healthcare heroes, is their acknowledgment of how journaling can serve as a powerful tool to bolster health and resilience, particularly in the face of their recent experiences following on from the global pandemic.

I recently had the pleasure of coaching a GP through the transformational power of journaling via my ‘Rage on a Page’ program, this was what she experienced…

“As a GP, for me learning about therapeutic journaling has been a really important part of developing my self-care toolbox. When I commit the time to it, I find journaling not only therapeutic but medicinal in its nature. To be guided by tanya through this process over the last few weeks has been a huge honour and I feel completely enlightened by the benefits of therapeutic journaling. So much so I’m now talking to my patients and my clients about adopting a regular journaling practice” Dr Jo Watkins

For those contemplating whether therapeutic journaling warrants a place in their arsenal of lifestyle medicine, I have included below a mini guide with some journaling prompts, tailored to illuminate the transformative potential that lies with the pages of a journal. It’s a basic tool, not only for patient care but for nurturing the mental and emotional states of the healers themselves.

The Write Prescription

Reduce Stress - Journaling can be a great way for health practitioners to process their emotions and relieve stress from their work. 

Improve Communication Skills - Writing down thoughts can help doctors improve their communication skills by allowing them to reflect on patient interactions and identify areas where they can improve. 

Enhance Self-Awareness - Journaling regularly can help medics become more self- aware of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, which can improve their ability to recognise and manage their emotions.

Facilitates Self-Reflection - It can also help health practitioners reflect on their experiences, decisions, and mistakes, which can help them learn from past experiences and improve their practice

Improve Patient Care - It goes without saying that taking to the page can help doctors identify patterns in patient care and make more informed decisions about patient treatment.

Boost Creativity - Journaling can help doctors tap into their creative side, which can improve problem solving and decision making abilities.

Improve Job Satisfaction - Journaling can help medics reflect on the positive aspects of their work and feel more satisfied with their careers. 

Increased Mindfulness - Journaling can help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings in the present moment, leading to increased mindfulness and focus. 

Improved Self-Care - Writing about self- care strategies and goals can help you prioritise your own health and well-being. 

Improved Work Life Balance - By setting goals and reflecting on personal and professional priorities, journaling does help focus the mind in more ways than one.

Start Journaling Today

1.Start your day with journaling: Take a few minutes in the morning to write down your goals, priorities, and any thoughts or ideas you may have.

2. Use journal prompts: If you're struggling with what to write, look for a journal prompts. I have 100’s. I publish a few on here most days as I love to create bespoke prompts specifically for different topics.

3. Carry a journal with you: Keep a small journal with you throughout the day to jot down ideas or notes as they come to you. Some opt for the notes app in their phone. I encourage you to use traditional pen and paper whenever possible.

4. Set aside time to journal: Make journaling a part of your daily routine by setting aside a specific time each day to write. Only 5 minutes a day.

5. Write freely: Don't worry about grammar or spelling - just write whatever comes to mind.

6. Use your journal to reflect on your day: Take some time in the evening to write down any insights, accomplishments or challenges you faced.

7. Try different types of journaling: Experiment. If you feel like you don’t have anything to journal about, just write one word a day. If you have the impulse to write more, write about the word you’ve selected.  How does that word make you feel and where does it show up in your life?

8. Use your journal to set one goal:  Write down one short term goal, for example, I’d like to drink an extra glass of water each day.  Track your progress towards achieving that goal.

9. Use your journal to brainstorm ideas: This could be useful if you need a new idea to help your patient or if you’re dealing with a problem you’re facing. A mind map is sometimes just as beneficial and can be fun especially if you create one with your patient.

10. Make journaling a priority:  Remember that journaling is a form of self-care, so make it a priority just like you would going for a walk or brushing your teeth. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

Journaling Prompts for Health Practitioners

1. Reflect on a recent patient/client encounter that had a significant impact on you emotionally. What emotions did you experienc? How did it affect your wellbeing? What lessons can you
   learn from this experience? 

2. Recall a time when you felt overwhelmed or burned out. What were the contributing factors and how did you cope with those feelings? 

3. Write about a patient who left a lasting impression on you.  What was it about this encounter that resonated with you?  How might journaling help process or learn from these experiences?

As the calls for support and sustainable healthcare practices echo louder within the NHS, the integration of therapeutic journaling into the fabric of healthcare emerges not as a luxury but as a necessity.  It really is a beacon of hope amidst the challenges faced by practitioners and patients alike. I know for a fact that it’s a tool that not only nurtures empathy and understanding, but also fosters the vital self-care needed for those that dedicate their lives to healing others, especially our junior doctors.

I’ll leave you with a testimonial from a wonderful client who’s going through chemo, who I’ve had the privilege to work with.  This is what she has to say about therapeutic journaling

“I had profound realisations about past experiences. It helped me to acknowledge and address current situations. It’s allowed me to release tears of suppression. 
And laugh about comical recollections. 

It’s enabled me to relate mental health theory to my own personal experiences, but most importantly, it’s encouraged me to recognise and release internal thoughts and emotions, which in turn leads to better psychological wellbeing.

I believe you're going to change people's lives with your work Tanya! From the courses I've undertaken with you, I have solidified my commitment to journaling, and learnt so many new things about this incredible tool! Continue to do the amazing things you do”

Until the next time

Take care and stay safe xx