5 Minute Free Writing

I often neglect the benefits of writing. It's an activity that can be simple, yet frustrating to do. Everyone has there own methods, style, and techniques of writing. I tend to, more often than not, allow distractions to happen until I realize how cluttered my mind is. There's nothing more frustrating then forcing yourself to write when your not open to it.

Reasons Why I Write
For myself, I personally write as a means to deal with my social anxiety. I view writing as an extension of our thoughts, imagination, and creativity. Writing is another form of communication. It is self-analysis. It is self-therapy. It is our voice. Writing helps us memorize, organize, and unclutter our thoughts. Writing is a way to figure out who we are.

I remember that I wrote in a journal during college and it helped me stay organized. I remember that it helped me deal with my feelings, emotions, relationships, weight loss, and fitness. It helped me develop plans and goals or simply vent out my frustrations.

Helpful Tips
There's no right or wrong way to do this. I remember learning this exercise in a creative writing class, but you can google it and develop your own guidelines.


1. Setup a timer or be conscious of time.
2. Keep your pen on the paper or hands on the keyboard.
3. Close your eyes or try to block out any visual distractions.
4. Follow all your 5 senses and let loose.
5. No rules, no restrictions, no worries, just keep writing.


Helpful Resources
C.M. Mayo's Daily 5 Minute Writing Exercise: Why 5 Minutes?
How Freewriting Saved My Life
How to Relieve Stress through Freewriting
10 Writing Therapy Exercises