The Mental Health Benefits of Video Journaling
Allison HewellJanuary 5, 20265 min readWhy Video Journaling Works
Many therapists recommend journaling to their clients as a tool for self-reflection and emotional processing. But there's a newer form of journaling that offers unique benefits: video journaling.
Traditional written journaling has well-documented mental health benefits. Video journaling adds something special. It captures not just what you're thinking, but how you're feeling in that moment, including your tone, expressions, and body language.
Research shows that this multimodal approach can improve memory retention compared to text alone, reduce rumination by externalizing anxious thoughts, and track emotional patterns over time in ways that writing cannot capture.
The Power of Brief Daily Capture
You don't need to record lengthy video diary entries. In fact, capturing just one second each day can be profoundly therapeutic. Here's why:
It Grounds You in the Present
The act of choosing what moment to capture forces you to pause and notice your life. This is mindfulness in practice, being present with what is, rather than lost in worry about what was or what might be.
It Creates Distance from Difficult Days
When you watch back clips from challenging times, you gain perspective. You can observe yourself with compassion, the way you might view a friend going through a hard time.
It Builds Evidence Against Negative Thinking
Depression often tells us that things have "always" been bad or "never" get better. A video timeline provides concrete evidence of good moments, helping counter these cognitive distortions.
Getting Started
Start small. You don't need elaborate setups or perfect lighting. The most powerful video journals are authentic, not polished.
If you're new to video journaling, here are some therapeutic approaches:
- Capture moments of calm: When you notice yourself feeling peaceful, record it. These clips become anchors you can return to during difficult times.
- Document small wins: Finished a task you'd been avoiding? Capture that moment of accomplishment.
- Record transitions: Beginnings and endings (of days, seasons, or life chapters) are rich with meaning.
A Note on Privacy
A common concern is privacy. The beauty of apps like MyChapters is that your content stays on your device by default. Your video journal is truly yours. No cloud uploads unless you choose them.
Final Thoughts
Video journaling isn't about creating perfect content. It's about bearing witness to your own life, one second at a time. This simple habit has been shown to foster self-compassion, build resilience, and create a tangible record of growth.
Your days matter. Capturing them through video journaling is one way to honor that truth, combining the benefits of traditional journaling with visual memory capture.
Allison Hewell
LPC-AContributing Writer & Mental Health Expert
Allison is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma therapy. She writes about the mental health benefits of video journaling and building healthy daily habits.
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