The Health Benefits of Writing Fiction
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In honor of that, I want to share an article I published for the Michigan Bar Journal called “The health benefits of writing fiction.” It was a meaningful article to write, and it was a great reminder of the power and importance of writing. While the article focuses on the benefits of writing fiction for lawyers, the premise rings true for all.
Here’s an excerpt from the article:
If you’re an avid reader, you likely know the health benefits of a daily reading habit: reduced stress, improved sleep quality, and endorphin boosts, just to name a few. Reading fiction, in particular, is an effective way to relax and escape reality, even if just for 20 minutes a day.
What you may not realize is that writing fiction is another positive way to improve your health and overall well-being. While reading fiction provides an escape, writing fiction provides an escape into a world of your own creation.
The Healing Power of Writing
Many people turn to journal writing as a form of stress relief. Journal therapy is a recognized form of therapy, like art or music therapy. Writing in a journal can be an effective way to calm the mind and body. However, writing fiction can be therapeutic as well. In 2024, a systematic review and meta-analysis published by PubMed revealed that creative writing can significantly improve depressive symptoms. Writing fiction provides an opportunity for creativity and escapism but also introspection and empathy. By writing fiction, you have the power to invent characters and worlds, either heavily or loosely inspired by your experiences. That’s the beauty of writing fiction. You control the narrative.
Continue reading the full article at the Michigan Bar Journal, Practicing Wellness Column.
Love being able to hold my words in my hands.
