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I may be a writer by trade, but I can’t—or, I should say, won’t—journal unless I’m freewriting. In case you’re unfamiliar with the concept, freewriting is a somewhat messy journaling practice that gets you out of your own way by ditching form in favor of come-as-you-are thought.
Journaling is a fantastic tool for practicing self-awareness, tapping into higher consciousness, and more. Freewrite journaling allows people like me (aka unwitting perfectionists) to access these upsides by ensuring the act of journaling doesn’t double as a source of stress.
What Is Freewriting?
Also known as stream of consciousness writing, freewriting is simply putting your thoughts, feelings, and whatever else comes to mind down on paper without editing yourself as you go. Unlike other forms of journaling, this variation often involves speed-of-light scribbling, which helps eliminate pauses or any space for analysis.
Those who prefer more common journaling may find peace through describing their day, musing over thoughts and occurrences, or responding to specific prompts. Freewriting, on the other hand, asks that you empty your mind onto your page without planning or pretense. The practice of freewriting is often used by creative writers to get their thoughts flowing and eschewing punctuation and grammar in an effort to just write, knowing that the rest can come later.
As someone who makes a living in words, I appreciate the permission to pen my innermost musings without feeling the need to turn them into a story, stay on topic, create structure, appear appealing to an invisible audience, or even make the words look pretty on paper. It’s an incredibly liberating thing.
When it comes to journaling, creating a similar space for flow gets my ego out of the way, helping me process through my pen and sometimes revealing gems I never would have discovered otherwise. It’s also a fantastic morning practice, offering a chance to offload mental clutter before stepping fully into your day.
“Stream-of-consciousness journaling is very helpful for allowing the writer to sift through emotions and thoughts that are tangled up inside the mind, and the resulting detox can be incredibly healing,” says clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, PhD. She adds that the sense of lightless and inner freedom that often follows freewriting are signs that the journaling process helped stimulate the release of stuck or unhelpful energy.
Freewriting also serves as an entry point for those new to personal writing. “Freewriting can be great for people who struggle with where to start with journaling,” says therapist Joy Pate, affirming my mode of choice. “It can provide the benefits of journaling (catharsis, emotional release, mental organization) while simultaneously encouraging them to push past the bounds of perfectionism.”
The Benefits of Freewriting And Journaling
Journaling can help discourage cycles of rumination, provide clarity, and hold you accountable to yourself. “As an act of loving self-care, journaling fosters self-prioritization and self-worth,” says Manly. “It allows for stress relief by providing a safe space to freely unload pent up thoughts and feelings.” As with most mental health habits, the “what” of your journaling is less important than the “how” or the “why.” Adopt whatever method works well for you.
“When you journal, strive to simply open your heart and mind to whatever is asking for attention,” says Manly. She suggests sitting in silence for a few minutes prior to journaling. “Often, when there is no pressure to perform, the psyche spontaneously comes forth with thoughts and ideas that become fuel for the journaling process.”
For me, the why of freewriting can be found in Manly’s words: it eliminates the pressure to perform. Letting go of any and all writing rules transforms journaling from a chore to an invitation. The blank page is a container waiting to be filled with your interior world, so free your mind and get writing. Who knows—you might even surprise yourself.
