5 Brain Areas that Get Activated by Journaling—& How that Can Help You Stop Second-Guessing Yourself All the Damn Time

Ever feel like you're trapped in a never-ending game of "Should I or Shouldn't I?" with yourself? Blame it on your (totally normal & functioning-as-best-it-can-but-still-struggling) brain.

Enter journaling.

Here's what happens when you put pen to paper:

Your prefrontal cortex, AKA the "CEO of the brain," gets a serious boost from journaling, helping you make those tough decisions & resist the urge to give in to impulse.

Then there's your amygdala, the emotional center that can sometimes hijack your rational thinking. Journaling gives it a timeout, helping you regulate those emotions like a boss.

The hippocampus, responsible for memory & learning, gets a workout too, making sure you don't forget all those brilliant ideas you jot down.

Meanwhile, the anterior cingulate cortex swoops in to manage conflict, keeping you cool, calm, & collected when faced with those "Do I REALLY want more Ben & Jerry's right now, or do I want to actually have the hard conversation with my partner?" moments.

Last but not least, the insula, the secret weapon for body awareness and empathy, lights up like a Christmas tree when you journal, making sure you stay in tune with your body's needs & feelings.

So why does this brain science matter? Because it's the key to breaking free from the grip of outside forces—like the media, your well-meaning-but-overbearing mother, & the dieting industry—allowing you to reclaim your Inner Knowing.

Through journaling, you're not just putting pen to paper; you're reconnecting with yourself, your desires, & your truth. It's a powerful tool to silence that inner critic & start trusting your instincts.

Let your thoughts flow on paper & witness the transformation. From doubting every decision to confidently following your intuition, your newfound trust in yourself will extend to every facet of your life.

Including your plate, guiding you toward intuitive eating. Your brain—& your gut—will be in sync & grateful.