How Stationery Improves Your Mental Health

Good news: that stationery collection you’ve been hoarding could be improving your mental health!

Stationery products, such as notebooks, pens, and journals, can have a positive impact on mental health. These items offer a tangible and creative outlet for emotions, thoughts, and stress, helping to promote self-expression and organization.

Whether you use your supplies for art, writing letters, or journaling it’s apparent that expressive writing can provide health benefits – but don’t take my word at face value. There has been a surprising amount of research into this topic by researchers and psychologists.

Stationery Supplies for Journaling

Using a notebook as a diary or a journal can be therapeutic as it allows for reflection and the release of pent-up emotions. Writing down thoughts and feelings can help to clarify and process them, leading to a greater sense of understanding and control. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who experience anxiety or depression.

In fact, a study by Kathleen Walker and Steven M. Toepfer from Kent State University presented surprising results: in just 3 sessions, consisting of 10-15 minutes of writing letters expressing gratitude, study participants showed a statistically significant positive change in their well-being.

Stationery Supplies for Creativity and Self-Expression 

Pens and markers can also be used as a tool for self-expression and creativity. Drawing, doodling, or coloring can be a relaxing and meditative activity that allows for the mind to focus on the present moment and forget about stressors. This can help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Don’t believe me? Studies have shown that creating art can reduce cortisol levels, anxiety levels, and improve mood.

Stationery Supplies for Organization and Planning

In addition to the mental health benefits, stationery products can also improve productivity and organization. Keeping a planner or a to-do list can help to improve productivity, prioritize tasks, set goals, and stay on track. This can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.

Conclusion

TLDR; stationery products such as notebooks, pens, and journals can have a positive impact on mental health by providing a tangible outlet for self-expression, creativity, and organization. They allow individuals to reflect on their thoughts and feelings, reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve productivity.

It's worth noting that these studies have limitations, and the effects of stationery products on mental health may vary among individuals. If you are struggling with mental health issues and thinking of using the stationery products as a form of therapy, it's still advisable to speak with a mental health professional to get a better understanding on how it may affect you.

So next time someone tells you that your addiction to gel pens and washi tape is holding you back, feel free to send them this blog post!