Writing down your thoughts and to-do lists is a good idea no matter what age you are, but when you're older, writing can be a great way to stay organized and be creative. Journaling for fun is an economical hobby that lets you express yourself, while list-making helps you keep track of all you need to do, where you've put things in your home and other details.
If you're interested in getting started with journaling and list-making, here are a few things you should know about their benefits and why you need to get into the habit as soon as possible.
It's normal to forget things here and there, and keeping a list helps you stay organized and on top of your tasks.
Keeping a list is a good way to track events and activities throughout the day. Combined with a diary or journal, you may be able to track your monthly activities or events throughout the year.
List-making has been shown to boost memory and the retention of new information compared to situations in which lists weren't used. A study released in 2022 shows that offloading to-do items by writing them down helps you "free up" additional memory, so you have more mental resources available for other tasks.
Think of list-making as an external memory tool, because that's exactly what it is. You don't have to worry about forgetting anything, because everything you need to know is written down right in front of you. Additionally, by writing down what you want to remember, you may actually refresh your memory, so you refer back to your list less.
Another reason to write things down is that you have the opportunity to express yourself and your feelings. When you've gone through a hard day or you have an inspired idea, writing down how you feel in that moment and releasing those emotions is a good way to stay balanced and to reflect back on your thoughts.
If you have something important to talk to someone about, writing down what you want to say and waiting before bringing the issue up can be helpful and may assist you in organizing your thoughts prior to the discussion.
Creative writing can also help you escape the mundane, letting you explore ideas and create your own fictional worlds. For people who like to write stories or poetry, writing daily in a journal can be a helpful way to get into the habit of writing long-term.
Another fun reason to write things down is that doing so lets you practice new skills. For example, you might get a laptop or tablet to work on. If you're not familiar with these devices, it can take a little time to become tech savvy and feel comfortable using them.
By writing daily, you'll get better at typing and visiting the apps or programs you want to use. You'll also have an opportunity, if you have Wi-Fi, to go online to social networking websites or journaling accounts where you can share your writing online.
Make this even easier by keeping physical notes and lists of your information, like your passwords and usernames, to avoid frustration.
A fourth reason to start writing is to talk about your history. You've been through a lot in your life so far, so you do have a story to tell. What can you tell your children or grandchildren about life before they existed? What do you remember from childhood that makes you smile, or what do you remember doing that isn't typically seen today?
Writing down your history is an excellent way to get a conversation started about your life, but it's also an important piece of historical information. In the future, your family will have a record of your memories that lets them look back on your life with a new perspective.
Finally, remember that writing helps you relax and unwind. Journaling may help you explore thoughts and feelings about your day, while list-making could help you plan for everything you need to do tomorrow. The nice thing about working out these thoughts now is that you can rest easier at night knowing that you've worked through your emotions and are prepared for tomorrow. Sometimes, getting your thoughts out before bed means you can calm a busy mind, and you'll fall asleep faster and more easily as a result.
At Bethesda Gardens Loveland, we encourage you to explore list-making and journaling yourself or with a senior loved one. This helpful habit can be good for creativity, memory and history, making it one that should be on the list of hobbies to try as you get older.
