We’ve all sat through a boring English class. We’ve all cranked through books and written the standard five-paragraph essay. We’ve all groaned when we’re asked to write a report or take notes on a topic. But the truth is, writing is so much more than that. It just gets a bad reputation since we’re forced to do it. The truth is, writing is one of the most important skills to have in our life. 

Before we get started, I know what you’re thinking. You think that obviously, I’m completely biased. I mean, after all, I am writing this article, so I must like writing. That’s correct, I do love writing. But I wasn’t always this way. It was only when I took a few classes and gave it a try when I discovered that writing and storytelling was something I’m passionate about. 

It’s impossible to list every single reason to try writing, there are millions of them. Below, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most important ones. Trust me, they are worth taking a look at!

Writing is a good way to cope with stress and anxiety

Let’s be honest, we’re teenagers, we all have something we need to get out. From the ongoing struggle of COVID to the current conflicts in the world, to even just getting through homework every night, we all have something to deal with that’s considered stressful. Writing can help us get through this. 

According to The Conversation, research shows that writing can enhance self-awareness, which ultimately decreases anxiety and depression symptoms. A study done in 2018 showed that writing for even just 20 minutes a day helps improve a person’s mental health. 

Sometimes, we don’t want to bother people with our problems or our ranting, so we just keep it all inside. Though it may seem alright to do this at first, eventually we are overflowing with emotions and we snap. If you don’t want to talk about something with someone, try writing it all down. After all, it’s not like the notebook is going to judge you. Who knows, sometimes all we need to do to solve our problems is lay everything out on paper. 

Writing is an alternative to painting and drawing

It’s safe to say that we aren’t all going to be the next Picasso. For me personally, I struggle to make a stick figure. Some of us just aren’t very good at drawing, sculpting, or painting, things commonly associated with art. Art, however, comes in so many forms, and one of those forms is writing. 

If you think you aren’t creative just because you didn’t do well in art class, think again. You can be just as creative with words as you can with a paintbrush, evidence of this is shown in some of the greatest novels of our time. Just think about how we say “creative writing”. It wouldn’t be called that if you didn’t use your imagination. 

Writing can help you everywhere you go

A lot of lucky people already know what they want to do with their lives. If it’s in a science or math field, then they think that they don’t have to be good writers. The truth is, knowing how to write will help you everywhere you go. Every company or office needs a good writer, no matter what. Also, almost every job on the planet requires you to send an email every so often. Your colleagues or clients will respect you more if it’s well written. Being a smart writer could even boost your chances if you’re up for a promotion. 

Think about if you wanted to be a nurse or a doctor. When you think about what they do, writing isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But nurses and doctors have to write patient reports. They also have to write out prescriptions. 

Scientists have to write all of the time. If they’re observing something, then they have to write down observations. At the end of an experiment, they have to write about their findings. If you’re looking to start a new business, then you have to write a business plan. The list goes on. 

Writing comes in so many forms

Writing is limitless. You can do whatever you want with it and there are no judgments. There are countless forms of writing too. Some people like to write articles while some people like to write novels. Some people like to go deeper while others like to stay light. Some are more creative, while others are all about the facts. 

Since there are so many forms of writing, there are also so many job opportunities. The most obvious one is an author. As an author, you can write all day wherever you get the most inspiration. You can pump out books for the world to enjoy, and maybe even get famous. Authors tend to be more introverted than not. 

If that doesn’t sound like you, then don’t give up your writing journey. You could be someone who likes to gather the facts and chase around stories. In that case, you could become a journalist. Maybe you’re into movies and film, but aren’t sure you would like to be in front of the camera. In that case, you could become a screenwriter. Maybe music is your passion, then you could be a songwriter. If you like writing, combine it with something else you like and then you have your dream job! 

 Writing can inspire others, not just you

It may seem like a stretch to say that an article or a book can change a person’s life, but it truly can. Not only does a story greatly impact the writer, it also impacts the reader. I’m sure we can all name at least one thing we’ve read that changed the way we think. 

If you have something to say that you want to share with the world, then why not say it? If you have a hobby that you want to talk about or a strong opinion on something, then why not write about it? If an opinion piece is written right, it can change minds. 

A book can brighten up a person’s day. It can inspire them to go after their dreams and allow them to escape into a magical world. The joy in writing is extremely fulfilling. To know that you’ve helped someone through a tough time or allowed a person comfort is an amazing feeling. Writing allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself. Writing helps other people in an unimaginable way.  

Overall, getting into writing is extremely rewarding and can help you in every aspect of life. Not only does it help you in relationships with others, it also improves your relationship with yourself. So next time you have time to spare, consider picking up a piece of paper and seeing what your pencil does. Maybe even consider taking a writing elective at school next year. Who knows, The Oakmonitor could even be calling your name!