Poetry for Mental Health
Did you know that March 21st is World Poetry Day? To celebrate the great poets, poetry, and poetry lovers, we had our last Prime Time Twitter chat about “Poetry for mental Health”. That’s right, you read correctly – poetry! And mental health! Who knew these two things could go hand in hand?
Now, some might think. “Poetry? That sounds so boring and pretentious.” But hold on, poetry can actually be a great tool for improving your mental health. And the best part? You don’t have to be a poet to benefit from it. Let’s talk about the benefits!
A KIND OF COMFORT
Words can be a great comfort like you could never imagine. We often don’t know what to say when someone close to us loses a loved one or goes through a difficult time. So, how do we show we care? Though each heartache is personal, there are universal emotions we all experience during times of loss and grief. Some kind words at such times might not help them get out of the zone but will for sure offer them comfort that they are not alone. Words are really powerful when they are at play. So, its also important to know the power of each word you are choosing at any time. Here are some of our community memebers thoughts on words that offer comfort.
BOOSTS YOUR MOOD
When we’re feeling stressed or anxious, it can be hard to put our feelings into words. That’s where poetry comes in. It allows us to express ourselves in a way that feels safe and comfortable. Plus, when we write or read poetry, we get to focus on something other than our own thoughts for a little while. It’s like a mini-vacation for our brains!
Another great thing about poetry is that it doesn’t have to be serious or complicated. In fact, some of the best poetry is silly or lighthearted. So if you’re not in the mood to write a deep and meaningful sonnet, that’s totally okay. You can write a haiku about your cat, or about your favorite food. The point is to have fun and let your creativity run wild. Check out how poetry helps people from our tribe understand their emotions better.
HELPS YOU GAIN PERSPECTIVE
Poetry’s ability to comfort and boost mood during stressful times and during times of grief may be due to the way it is framed and viewed.
As a creative tool, poems can alter our perception of experiences, offering us new perspectives and allowing us to dig deeper into them. Our sense of identity can be strengthened and empathy can be fostered by connecting us with others’ experiences. Now, are you convinced? If you want to start writing poetry today, here are some tips from our veterans.
Poems, creative nonfiction, and creative writing are linked to a variety of health benefits. In addition to combating stress symptoms and depression symptoms, they have also been shown to reduce chronic pain according to studies.
Thus, poetry for mental health is no joke! Whether you’re writing your own silly rhymes or diving into the classics, poetry can be a great tool for improving your mental well-being. So next time you’re feeling stressed or anxious, give it a try! And who knows – you might just discover a hidden talent. Catch our whole chat here.
