Issue #26

Why I Journal — Even When I’m Extremely Busy

I genuinely feel doctors today are living more stressed lives than ever.

My days are packed with patient reports, complex decisions, career pressure, and personal responsibilities, and much more.

Earlier, all of this just kept running in my head on a loop.

Journaling changed that for me.

For me, journaling simply means writing things down — on paper or Notes app.

Once I dump my thoughts onto a page, my mind feels lighter.

The emotional noise reduces, and I’m able to think more clearly.

Research by James Pennebaker supports this — expressive writing helps reduce rumination and improves emotional processing.

I experienced this firsthand. The days that started with some free writing in the morning felt lighter, keptme more cheerful for longer.

Another big benefit is idea capture.

Good ideas about career moves, side projects, or content for my YouTube channel often come randomly and disappear just as fast. Writing helps me hold on to them and work on them later.

How I Started

I kept it very simple:

• Free writing / Morning Pages: 10 minutes in the morning, writing anything that comes to mind. No filter. No judgment. This method comes from The Artist’s Way - a terrific book I'd strongly recommend.
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• Deep-dive journaling: Used occasionally for big decisions — career changes, finances, or personal conflicts. I sit quietly, pick one problem, and think it through on paper.

If you think you don’t have time, start with 10 minutes.

Try it for 7 days without a break, and let me know how you feel.

I love journaling so much that I published my own journal that you can check out here ​

What do you think?

Awaiting your reply.

Cheers,

Dr. Vishal.

I mapped out the entire career journey of a doctor from student to full-blown professional.

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