Health

Can Journaling Really Help Your Mental Health?

Published

9 months ago

14 July 2025

Have you ever been overwhelmed by different thoughts and want to make sense out of them?. With stress and anxiety creeping into the lives of many people, keeping our mental health in good condition has now become more important. One of the ways to solve the problem is journaling. But can it actually help our mental well-being, or is it just another self-care trend? Find out more as we talk about what it means and how it could help our mental health.

It Helps You Understand Your Emotions

Whether you are sad, angry, happy or tense, you will be able to process your emotions better. It can be a good way to relieve built-up tension and relax.This practice helps us have a better grip of our emotions and deal with them better. After some time, our anxiety problems become easier, and we can spot emotional patterns easier. By opening up, clarity is achieved.

It Helps Reduce Stress and Declutter Our Mental Health

Journaling is beyond writing; it helps transfer your feelings and thoughts onto paper. It looks simple on the surface, but when done regularly, it reduces stress. You don’t have to write too much; just put down your worries and fears. For some, it is a daily routine, while others do this whenever they want to clear their mind.

Encourages Problem Solving

Not all problems are easy to understand, some need complex solutions. Writing them down can help you see more clearly and find steps to resolve them. Journaling helps you reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what you could do differently next time. When you write down specific situations, you often discover practical solutions you hadn’t considered.

Supports Productivity and Encourages Goal Setting

Journaling is a useful tool when it comes to goal setting because you now know what you want. When you write things down, you start thinking about your goals and dreams. Also, you start planning how to achieve it. As time goes on, you start reflecting on what’s working (or not), and which adjustments are needed. Moreover, seeing your goals in writing makes them look more achievable. It turns the lofty ideas in your head into something possible.

It Creates a Safe Space for Self-expression

To avoid being judged, it’s best to have a safe space where you can express yourself freely. A journal offers this and much more. It encourages privacy and allows you to make opinions without outside interference. With people, there is that chance that you won’t be real, but with a journal, you will be real with yourself.

Bottom Line

While the beginning isn’t going to be easy, when done consistently, this practice has huge mental benefits. It isn’t perfect, but it helps improve your mental state. You can start by just pouring out your mind in a journal for 10 minutes daily. In this chaotic and noisy world, this tool is an ideal way to take control of your mind.

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Health

Unexplained Weight Gain? It Could Be a Sign of PCOS

Published

7 days ago

6 April 2026

Tega Ekeri

Photo - Pinterest

Weight gain that happens without a clear change in diet or activity is often treated as a lifestyle issue. However, clinical research points to a more complex possibility: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects how the ovaries function. One key aspect is its impact on weight. This goes beyond calorie intake and expenditure. Many women with PCOS experience metabolic changes that make weight gain easier and weight loss more difficult.

Photo – Pinterest

A key factor is insulin resistance. The body produces insulin but does not use it effectively. As a result, insulin levels rise, which encourages fat storage, particularly around the abdomen. This explains why some women gain weight even when their routines have not changed significantly.

Hormonal imbalance also contributes. Elevated levels of androgens, hormones commonly associated with male physiology, are typical in PCOS. These can affect metabolism and contribute to fat storage. At the same time, irregular ovulation affects how the body regulates energy use.

Photo – Pinterest

PCOS-related weight gain rarely occurs alone. It often appears alongside irregular menstrual cycles, acne, thinning hair on the scalp, or increased hair growth on the face and body. When these symptoms occur together, they form a pattern that should not be ignored.

Early recognition is important. PCOS is associated with a higher risk of long-term conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In this context, weight gain signals underlying metabolic issues rather than a cosmetic concern.

Photo – Pinterest

Management varies by individual. Doctors may recommend dietary adjustments, regular physical activity, and, in some cases, medication to improve insulin sensitivity or regulate hormones. The goal is to stabilise the body’s metabolic response over time.

For anyone experiencing unexplained weight gain, especially alongside other symptoms, it is worth seeking medical advice. Identifying PCOS early allows for targeted management and better long-term health outcomes.

Health

The Truth About Perimenopausal Weight Gain and How to Keep It in Check

Published

4 weeks ago

19 March 2026

Fadire Olusola

Photo:Getty images

Perimenopause is a phase before menopause, which usually affects women in their 40s. During this time, many women notice unexplained weight gain which could be frustrating. Here are some reasons it happens and how to manage it.

Why Weight Gain Happens During Perimenopause

One of the reasons weight gain happens during perimenopause is change in the hormones. Levels of estrogen reduce, affecting how the body regulates metabolism. Studies show that while menopause itself does not cause weight gain, they are linked to increased body fat.

Photo: Getty images

Lower estrogen causes hunger and fullness hormones . This makes women feel hungry after meals. As a result, calorie intake may increase without a person knowing.

Aging also plays an important role. The body muscle mass naturally reduces with age. Without making the right adjustments in daily activity and nutrition, weight gain happens.

Photo: Getty images

Another factor during Perimenopause is sleep stress. Sleeping disorders affect hormones that control appetite. Experts note that many women gain weight during this time, though experiences are different.

How to Keep Perimenopausal Weight Gain in Check

1. Practice Strength Training

Photo :Getty images

Building muscle becomes important during perimenopause. Muscle helps maintain metabolism and improves glucose usage. Health experts recommend combining aerobic exercise with various muscle activities.

2. Take Balanced Diet Meals

Instead of dieting, experts encourage eating food rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Adequate protein intake helps preserve muscle and supports fullness. Calorie reduction can slow metabolism and make weight management harder.

3. Sleep

Photo: Getty images

Getting the required sleep everyday goes a long way to improve your health. Everything doesn’t have to be work or movies, sleeping 7-8 hours daily is recommended. Poor sleep can cause weight gain. It’s advisable to sleep early and avoid sleep disruptions to stabilize appetite.

4. Avoid Stress

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which promotes fat storage around the abdomen. Regular movement and relaxation practices can help support overall wellbeing.

5. Speak to a Professional

For some women, talking with a health professional helps manage symptoms. With their experience and knowledge, these experts can provide insights on how to manage this phase. .

Perimenopausal weight gain is real, but the above-mentioned tips help. Exercise, eat well and get enough sleep to maintain a healthy weight.

Health

Lupita Nyong’o Opens Up About Overlooking Fibroid Symptoms — 4 Warning Signs Women Should Know

Published

1 month ago

7 March 2026

Fadire Olusola

Source:Instagram

Lupita Nyong’o has spoken out about her struggle with uterine fibroids. She hopes her experience will encourage women to pay attention to their bodies. She revealed how many fibroids over the years. The Oscar winner said she has carried 77 uterine fibroids, and 25 were removed through surgery.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths found around the uterus.They are common and affect millions of women worldwide. Studies suggest that 80% of women may develop fibroids during their childbearing years.

Photo: Instagram

Nyong’o said she ignored the symptoms for years because she thought it was part of being a woman. She advises women to talk to a professional when they notice reproductive health issues.

Here are four warning signs women should watch out for.

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding

One of the common signs of fibroids is heavy menstrual bleeding. This includes having periods that last longer than usual.

Nyong’o has spoken about experiencing heavy bleeding due to fibroids. Experts say if your period is heavy, consult a doctor.

Persistent Pelvic Pain

Another warning sign is abnormal pain in the pelvic area. Fibroids can grow large and press against nearby organs causing discomfort.

Some women describe this as a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen. Others experience sharp pain during their period.

Photo:Instagram

Nyong’o shared that pain was one of the symptoms she lived with for years before she understood the cause.

Frequent Urination

Large fibroids press on the bladder, causing frequent urination. This symptom is mistaken for a urinary issue. However, if frequent urination occurs along with other symptoms, it could be due to fibroids. Experts believe this happens when fibroids take up space in the pelvic area

Abdominal Swelling

Some fibroids cause swelling in the abdomen. In certain cases, the stomach appears bloated. This swelling is mistaken for weight gain. Fibroid sizes vary based on several factors.