There are few things in life that are worth your time, but one of them has to be the act of writing. For some reason, writing is beyond therapeutic, an activity that helps clear the mind and put you at ease.

It’s as if you are imprinting your mind on paper (or a word processor for that matter). It represents your mindset in that particular moment: who you are and what you are thinking. This is one of the many reasons I always carry a notebook, but that’s not the only time to write.

Whether it’s for business or pleasure, fact or fiction, writing is something that everyone should do. Personally I’ve made a habit of writing in the new year and it’s by far thing I’ve ever done. Here’s why you should start writing too.

1. Emptying Your Mind

Sometimes there’s so much racing through your mind that writing is the only remedy to help clear up some space. When you get a ton of ideas or insights, noting them down in a journal or notes app can ease the overwhelming feeling that comes with that rush of inspiration.

We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.Anais Nin

You can de-clutter and put yourself at ease, knowing that those thoughts are saved for future reference and use. The alternative is being overwhelmed and heaven forbid, even forgetting some of the moments of clarity that are so rare in life. There’s only so much you can remember, so writing is the perfect way to empty your mind and leave room for further exploration.

2. Making Sense of Things

When you’re stuck, often times the best way to solve a problem or make sense of things is to write it out. As much as we try to figure things out in our minds, putting things down on paper can give us clarity and show us where the gaps truly are in our thinking.

Writing is thinking. To write well is to think clearly. That’s why it’s so hard.David McCullough

In my own experience, in my head I think the problem is one thing, but when I get it down on paper it’s quite another. Writing can show you what is at the core of your confusion and help you begin to overcome it.

3. Dealing With Stress

Are you feeling anxious? Are you stressed out? Writing can help with that too. The fact is, stress causes intrusive thoughts that are ultimately causing you unnecessary pain. Worrying about things isn’t going to fix them.

Sometimes only paper will listen to you.

Writing has been shown to help you reason out the cause of such stress and the process helps you overcome the anxiety you were feeling. If something is bothering you, don’t hold it in, write it down.

4. Connecting With Others

Last, but far from least, is the power that writing gives you in terms of connecting with other people. The simple fact is, writing is the most accessible form of creation and connection. Everyone can write and thereby share their ideas, opinions, and stories with the rest of the world.

Writing is an extreme privilege but it’s also a gift. It’s a gift to yourself and it’s a gift of giving a story to someone.Amy Tan

It allows you not only to express yourself, but also connect with others. So when you write, it’s not to build a following or get a book deal, but to put yourself out there. To be vulnerable and share yourself with others.

And if all that isn’t enough, writing is a skill that’s useful in any field.

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riting has tremendous value for yourself, as well as everyone else who gets to become part of your story. All of these reasons are why I hope that you’ll start writing as well, if you don’t already.

Whether it’s once a week or once a month, it’s worth the time. In an effort to get everyone to join in, I’ve launched a Medium Publication called Polyesque where I’d love for all my friends, family, and fantastic readers to contribute their own writing.Medium is a community focused around people sharing stories – it’s less demanding than a blog, more user friendly than a typical news site, and filled with amazing content. If you’d like to contribute, sign up with Medium and start writing your stories. Once you have a story, reach out to me at hi@alyjuma.com and I can add you as a writer to the publication.

As far as content, it can be in any subject related to life and living, from business and habits to health and philosophy, if you have an itch to write, get started.

Right now it’s just me, but I hope to see many of you join in and capture the value of writing.

Cheers!