National Stress Awareness Day: How journaling has become a vital outlet for millions of Brits when managing stress

This week, on 2nd November, is Stress Awareness Day in the UK – an important event which highlights how stress can affect people and what you can do to manage stress before it becomes an enduring problem. This year has undoubtedly been stress-inducing, with the cost of living crisis piling pressure on Brits across the nation. It was reported in a recent study that an overwhelming 79% of British adults feel stressed at least once a month, with Gen Z’s disproportionately impacted (90%). In an enlightening study by StoryTerrace, the international memoir-writing service, the company outlined the cathartic and profound benefits associated with journaling and creative writing in aiding mental health symptoms, particularly those linked to stress.

Increasing evidence shows that keeping a written record of your thoughts, feelings and the events of your daily life supports your psychological and even physical well-being. The practice of journaling has been used more frequently in recent times, perpetuated by the global pandemic, evidenced through StoryTerrace’s study which found that a third (29%) of 18-24-year-olds agreed that they have picked up journaling over the course of the past two years to help with their mental health. Now prescribed by doctors and healthcare specialists as an effective treatment for mental health symptoms, along with meditation, mindfulness practice has become the hallmark of the so-called ‘self-care revolution’.

Key stats:
17% of Brits say that they have picked up journaling over the course of the past two years to help with their mental health
31% of Brits say writing about their mental health experiences in a creative way has allowed them to better understand themselves
31% feel more comfortable writing about their troubling experiences than talking about them
22% feel that journaling has been the most beneficial aid to their mental health to date
The cathartics associated with writing in one’s diary have also been likened to the act of writing your memoir. Recalling events from the past, processing troubling experiences and connecting with priceless family history have been proven to have profound effects on your well-being. Not only that, but StoryTerrace found that over a third (31%) of British adults often feel more comfortable writing about their experiences than talking about them.

Rutger Bruining, Founder and CEO of StoryTerrace, has first-hand insight into the large number of incredible life stories that come to the service daily. Explaining how the memoir service has provided a platform for everyone and anyone to share their stories and document their experiences, he said:

“Hundreds of the memoirs that we see at StoryTerrace start from an individual’s journal – we see it all the time. They represent a capsule of one’s thoughts and feelings at a certain point and allow reflection on that experience for years to come. People cherish their journals and keep them as keepsakes, and that is what is so beautiful about StoryTerrace.

“When we look upon the world historically, we open ourselves up to new insights about the present, and the world around us comes alive. One of the key benefits of writing a biography is how it brings people closer to their family, and their history and facilitates a better understanding of who they really are. For us, it is not just about documenting one’s story, it is about cementing your identity by connecting you with your past.

“There is power in writing – it is one of the purest forms of self-expression and allows room for creativity, self-exploration and even just some fun to pass the time. We are pleased to see exactly how writing directly benefits our clients and our amazing ghostwriters.”

About StoryTerrace
StoryTerrace’s mission is to ensure that every life story is captured and passed on in a meaningful way. Its award-winning memoir writing service takes care of the whole process – matching clients with one of over 750 professional writers, interviewing, photo gathering, editing, designing, and printing their very own book. Books are on average 100 pages long, meaning that everyone can have their life story – or those of their loved ones – documented in a professionally curated biography or series of memoirs.

Powered by its proprietary technology platform, StoryTerrace continues to scale globally and has sold over 3,500 packages since its founding in 2014. The company was a winner on BBC Dragons’ Den in 2020 and has gained traction in the likes of Sky News, The Wall Street Journal, The Times, Forbes, and CBS News.