The Science-Backed Writing Exercises That Improve Mental Health

New research analyzing more than 50 years of studies shows which positive writing exercises work best for mental health.

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Just 10 minutes of daily positive writing can reduce anxiety and boost life satisfaction—but choosing the right type of writing exercise for your personality is crucial, according to a major new research review.

Scientists identified seven distinct approaches to therapeutic writing—from gratitude letters to “three good things” journals—with some proving more effective for certain types of people than others.

Based on More Than 50 Years of Studies

The systematic review, recently published in the journal PLOS One, analyzed 51 studies conducted between 1930 and 2023 to determine which writing exercises deliver the most consistent mental health benefits.