Why Telling Stories Is Good for Your Health

Remember the last time you were held captive by a story someone was telling?

Let's take five minutes to see this week in a new light. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Why Telling Stories Is Good for Your Health    Remember the last time you were held captive by a story someone was telling? Or perhaps it was you recalling the twists and turns of a riveting tale. Whether fact, fiction, or a mix of both, the art of storytelling can be a boon to our (and others') mental well-being.   Just by telling stories, listening to stories, and sharing stories we are doing something good for our mental health,"  — BARBARA FIELD, WRITER AND SPEAKER   Storytelling & Brain Health Several scientific studies have examined the correlation between storytelling and brain health, including how it impacts memory, dementia, and general quality of life.   Findings suggest that "reminiscence therapy" may positively influence our mood, memory, and cognitive function. There may even be a correlation between storytelling and improved interpersonal relationships. The Mental Health Benefits of Storytelling  Here are a handful of ways storytelling improves our mental health: Harnesses creativity and imagination Improves our listening skills Leads to better memory retention Increases empathy Releases oxytocin and boosts our mood Helps us connect with others Reiterates our successes Highlights ways we can improve The Tenants of Great Storytelling As with anything, practice will improve your storytelling craft. To remain engaging, get excited about the story you're about to tell and don't forget to smile or be emotive. It's also wise to keep the story relatively short, highlight the details that matter, develop the key "characters," and relay emotions versus just facts!   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week Ways to Nurture Your Mind and Body  This week, take 15 minutes to think about something that recently happened in your life that you think others might be interested in hearing about. Recall the details that stick in your mind, how you were feeling at the time, what hurdles were involved, and how things ended. The next time you're with friends and an opportunity arises, tell your story! Eager to learn more about the art of telling stories? "Unleash the Power of Storytelling: Win Hearts, Change Minds, Get Results" offers a practical roadmap to crafting and delivering more powerful, persuasive stories. If you're in the mood to hear compelling stories, add NPR's StoryCorps Podcast to your favorites list. Each episode tells the real story of everyday Americans as they recall identity-defying memories. For a fiction fix, try Lore, where host Aaron Mahnke takes you through a winding tail inspired by legends and folklore in every episode. Check out these 10 relationship books if you're looking for further ideas to improve your connection with others and yourself.    This Week on The Verywell Mind Podcast   On tomorrow's episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast, I talk with Dirty Heads vocalist Jared Watson.    Tune in to hear him share how to uncover which self-help strategies work best for you.   Follow Now: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS Read These Next The Anti-Aging and Anti-Depressant Effects of Storytelling READ NOW How to Be a Better Storyteller When You Are Socially Anxious READ NOW What Happens in Your Brain When You Lose Yourself in a Good Book? READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2021 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy