I was searching for articles on the benefits of blogging today . Whilst I didn't find much on blogging, an article in the Scientific American (2008) makes the link between blogging and expressive writing for which evidence exists of well documented benefits including: stress reduction, lower blood pressure and feeling better both mentally and physically.
I like blogging – I even write a personal blog out there somewhere in cyberspace – the anonymity can be very liberating and there is some kind of reassurance that you are being listened to or at least read!
I love reading others blogs too - how else would I keep up with younger relatives? and I read as many of the blog at Maggie’s Online as i am able to . I am not alone...... the blogs here are read by lot and lots ....and lots of other people too.
If you find that a bit scary and off putting it is probably worth me pointing out that you can save your blogs as drafts until you are ready to post them and of course you also have the anonymity of your username so unless you tell people your username
Blog can also be a handy way of letting others know how things are for example when friends and relatives want to know how you are getting on and you don’t want to be on the phone saying the same thing ten times after a trip to the hospital to have a dose of chemo or a scan…. you can write it down in a blog for them to read. Just give them you username so they know which one to read, post that hospital blog entry to everyone and they will be able to read it without needing to register. You may then have a day when you just want to let rip or write down some private thoughts just for you and you might choose to leave that as a draft... or send a private message to one of your Maggie's friend.
Another good thing about blogging – it’s always there..... It can really help to chat to a friend or partner but they may not appreciate a call or long chat at 4 am - Writing your thoughts down can help you to feel less lonely at times when sleeping isn’t easy.
Tapping away can also be a really good way to get all those thoughts whirling around in your head into some sort of order or, at least somewhere where you can see them one at a time which, in turn can make them more manageable .
This week I have also been reading a book based on a blog “How I said Bah to cancer!” is described by its author Stephanie Butland as “ a guide to thinking, living and dancing you way through”. The book is made up of abridged entries of the blog she wrote from diagnosis of breast cancer through treatment.
Offering “bah” thinking tips to help anyone else in a similar situation It is a very straightforward big sister no nonsense approach which may not suit everyone however many will, I am sure warm to it.
I have over the years marvelled at the patience of (most) of the visitors and patients to oncology clinics as they wait for appointments – Stephanie Butland challenges the system in a refreshing way, highlighting areas for improvement and providing many healthcare professionals with the “other side” She also offers helpful tips for carers and friends
Funny, thought provoking and honest it is well worth a read and would help while away the time in many a treatment or clinic appointment.
Writing a book might be a bit more of a chore however why not give a blog a try? If you are a registered member of Maggie's Online you are very welcome to start one.
Don’t worry about spelling etc just write your thoughts down and as well as helping yourself you may well help someone else who is dealing with a similar situation.
Best wishes and Happy blogging
Robyn
Blog originally posted by Robyn 2011