Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, discusses a specific form of journaling that has been supported by over 200 peer-reviewed studies in quality journals. This journaling method has been shown to have a powerful impact on improving mental and physical health. The method involves writing for 15 to 30 minutes about the most difficult or traumatic experience one can recall from their life. The writing should be continuous and focused on emotions, facts, and links to other aspects of life .
The journaling protocol consists of four consecutive days of writing, with each session lasting 15 to 30 minutes. During each session, individuals are instructed to write continuously about the chosen difficult experience, without paying attention to grammar or spelling. The writing should include facts, emotions felt at the time of the experience, and links to other aspects of life. Both low expressers (using less descriptive language) and high expressers (using more negative language) benefit from this protocol, experiencing significant relief from distress and improved mental and physical health .
Multiple studies have shown the positive impact of this writing protocol on various health conditions. Individuals suffering from chronic anxiety, insomnia, arthritis, cancer treatment, lupus, and fibromyalgia have reported significant improvement in symptoms after completing the four bouts of writing. These improvements include reduced depressive symptoms, reduced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and relief from chronic pain. The positive effects of the protocol are long-lasting and statistically significant compared to control groups that wrote about different topics .
The podcast episode discusses a science-supported journaling protocol that has been shown to improve mental and physical health. The protocol involves writing for 15 to 30 minutes about a stressful or traumatic event for four consecutive days or spread out over a month. The content of the writing should include facts about the event, emotions associated with the event, and any connections or associations related to the event. The writing should be continuous and not focused on grammar or spelling. The protocol has been shown to have positive effects on mental and physical health, including improvements in autoimmune conditions, anxiety reduction, and sleep patterns .
The protocol's positive effects on health can be attributed to several physiological changes observed in people who engage in the writing exercise. The activation and neuroplasticity of the prefrontal cortex, a region involved in coherent narrative generation and regulation of subcortical structures, play a crucial role. By truthfully and coherently recounting stressful experiences, the prefrontal cortex's activity increases, leading to a more organized understanding of the event and its associated emotions. This increased coherence reduces confusion and disarray in the autonomic nervous system and helps regulate immune system function .
The discussion highlights the link between the mind and body, emphasizing that the nervous system acts as the connection between various components of the brain and body. The protocol's positive effects on immune system function can be explained by the communication between the nervous system and the immune system. The increased prefrontal cortex activity influences the immune system's response, leading to improved immune system function and better combat against infections. The nervous system's ability to rewire itself through neuroplasticity plays a significant role in these positive shifts in mental and physical health .
The protocol emphasizes the importance of truth-telling and coherence in the writing exercise. By accurately reporting the facts, emotions, and associations related to a stressful event, individuals activate the prefrontal cortex and promote neuroplasticity. The truth-telling process allows for a deeper understanding of the event, reduces confusion, and creates a more coherent narrative. This coherence helps regulate autonomic nervous system activity and improves mental and physical health outcomes .
It is important to note that the protocol is zero-cost, flexible in terms of timing, and can be done individually. It is not necessary to share the writing with others, but if sharing is desired, it should be done with a dedicated healthcare professional to avoid potentially traumatic experiences for the listener. The protocol can be used in conjunction with other therapies and has been shown to accelerate progress in talk therapy and medication-based treatments for depression and PTSD. The positive effects of the protocol can persist for months and even years .
The podcast episode discusses a science-supported journaling protocol that aims to improve mental and physical health . The protocol involves writing about stressful or traumatic events for 15 to 30 minutes, four times either on consecutive days or separated by a week . It is important to note that this writing exercise may evoke negative emotions immediately after completion, especially for those categorized as high expressors . Therefore, it is recommended to allocate a buffer of time before engaging in other activities . Additionally, it is advised not to perform the writing exercise just before bedtime if the experience is particularly stressful or traumatic .
Before embarking on the writing protocol, it is crucial to evaluate one's readiness to deal with the emotional state that may arise from recalling and expressing stressful or traumatic experiences . While there is limited data on individuals being unable to tolerate the protocol, it is understandable that some people may find it challenging . It is suggested to start with a moderately stressful or traumatic event as a way to sample the protocol's effectiveness . Furthermore, if the protocol creates significant stress, either psychologically or physically, or impedes other areas of life, it is recommended to discontinue it .
The podcast episode emphasizes the value of the writing protocol backed by a substantial amount of data . Writing about stressful or traumatic events for multiple sessions has been shown to have long-lasting positive effects on mental and physical health . The host encourages listeners to try the protocol and provides links to the literature supporting its efficacy . The episode concludes with a request to support the podcast by subscribing to the YouTube channel, leaving reviews on Spotify and Apple, and exploring the mentioned sponsors .
In this episode, I explain a specific writing protocol shown in hundreds of scientific studies to significantly improve immediate and long-term health. I explain how to implement this specific protocol, which takes only four days and 15-30 minutes per day. I also explain the mechanism for how the four-day writing protocol affects neuroplasticity (brain rewiring) and brain function in the short and long term. I explain how these brain changes positively impact our physical health, including our system's immune function and thus our ability to combat infections, improve sleep, reduce feelings of physical and emotional pain, lower anxiety, and bring about healing from traumas. This episode ought to be of interest to anyone seeking better mental and/or physical health through the use of brief yet highly effective science-supported protocols.