A Science-Supported Journaling Protocol to Improve Mental & Physical Health

In this episode, I explain a specific writing protocol shown in hundreds of scientific studies to significantly improve immediate and long-term health. I explain how to implement this specific protocol, which takes only four days and 15-30 minutes per day. I also explain the mechanism for how the four-day writing protocol affects neuroplasticity (brain rewiring) and brain function in the short and long term. I explain how these brain changes positively impact our physical health, including our system's immune function and thus our ability to combat infections, improve sleep, reduce feelings of physical and emotional pain, lower anxiety, and bring about healing from traumas. This episode ought to be of interest to anyone seeking better mental and/or physical health through the use of brief yet highly effective science-supported protocols.

For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com.

Use Ask Huberman Lab, our new AI-powered platform, for a summary, clips, and insights from this episode.

Thank you to our sponsors

AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman

LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman

Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman

Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman

Timestamps

(00:00:00) Journaling Protocol for Mental & Physical Health

(00:03:022) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up

(00:07:16) Journaling & Confronting Traumatic Events

(00:11:25) Tool: Expressive Writing

(00:14:38) Morning Notes, Gratitude Journaling, Diary Journaling

(00:18:00) Tool: Consecutive Writing Bouts; Trauma Definition

(00:24:38) Low Expressors vs. High Expressors

(00:29:29) Tools: Language, Vocabulary & Emotion; Analyzing Writing

(00:35:02) Tool: Writing Session Tips

(00:38:20) Sponsor: AG1

(00:41:02) Positive Mental & Physical Benefits

(00:46:45) Expressive Writing & Immune Function; Brain-Body Connection 

(00:58:10) Neuroplasticity, Prefrontal Cortex & Subcortical Structures

(01:05:00) Structured Writing, Trauma & Narratives; Truth-Telling

(01:08:56) Neuroplasticity, Truth-Telling & Relief from Trauma

(01:15:32) Honesty, Brain Activity & Narratives

(01:22:01) Overcoming Trauma & the Brain; Stress, Emotions & Honesty

(01:26:41) Expressive Writing Protocol & Benefits

(01:36:16) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter

Title Card Photo Credit: Mike Blabac

Disclaimer