The Surprising Benefits of Writing on Well-Being

Dr Eleni Savva

Wed, Apr 23, 25

3 minutes read

The Surprising Benefits of Writing on Well-Being

Whether it’s jotting down your thoughts in a journal, crafting a story, or simply making a list, writing is more than just a way to communicate—it’s a powerful tool for improving mental health and happiness. In this blog, Mrs Wordsmith explores how writing can transform your well-being and why encouraging children to write sets them up for a brighter, happier future.

Why Writing Is Good for Your Well-being

When we write, we sift through the jumble of thoughts in our minds, decide what matters most, and connect ideas into a meaningful narrative. This process helps us make sense of our feelings and experiences, turning chaos into clarity.

Research shows that writing has profound effects on mental and physical health. In a landmark 1980s study, participants who spent just 15 minutes a day writing about traumatic experiences saw remarkable improvements: six months later, they visited health centers 50% less often than those who didn’t write [1]. The simple act of putting feelings into words helped them process and move on from difficult events.

But the benefits of writing aren’t limited to coping with negative emotions. More recent studies reveal that writing about personal goals and aspirations also boosts well-being, making people feel more positive and hopeful about the future [2]. Writing helps us envision better days ahead and strengthens our resilience.

How to Inspire a Love of Writing in Children

Given the wide-ranging benefits, it’s clear that helping children develop a love for writing is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Here’s how you can nurture your child’s creativity and well-being through writing:

Start small: Invite your child to help write cards to friends and relatives. Encourage them to be imaginative—let their messages go beyond a simple “happy birthday”.
Make it exciting: Provide fun notepads or journals, teach them to type on a laptop, or suggest they write about their feelings whenever inspiration strikes.
Use their interests: Ask them to choose words that have a special meaning to them or illustrations from books and games as prompts for their own stories. Our illustrated dictionaries are the perfect tool for this activity.

By making writing both fun and rewarding, you’ll help your child see it as more than just homework. Writing becomes a way to express feelings, unleash creativity, and build a happier, healthier life.

creativity,mental health,storytelling,well being,writing,

References

[1] Pennebaker, J. W., Kiecolt-Glaser, J., & Glaser, R. (1988). Disclosure of traumas and immune function: Health implications for psychotherapy. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 56, 239-245.

[2] King, L. A. (2001). The health benefits of writing about life goals. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 27(7), 798–807.

Explore more on

creativity mental health storytelling well being writing

Storyteller's Illustrated Dictionary

+ 3 months free of Word Tag ® Video Game

Storyteller's Illustrated Dictionary is exactly what it says on the tin*. This hilariously illustrated dictionary is packed with hundreds of words to take your storytelling to the next level. These are the words you need to describe characters, places, weather, action, emotions, tastes, and smells. For budding storytellers everywhere, this is the dictionary like you've never seen it before.*And by tin, we mean book. For ages 7-11 Word Tag® Combines Game-Based Learning and Fun Into One Outrageously Effective App Rated 4.8 stars on the app store, Get the app that’s 100% fun, 100% learning, 100% GAME! Watch as your kids play their way to improved vocabulary test scores Word Tag is an engaging educational app designed to improve children's vocabulary through exciting mini-games, enhancing their reading and comprehension skills. The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, utilises spaced repetition to effectively teach new words, with each game reinforcing the learning process. Players can learn up to 1,000 words annually with just 20 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing their learning journey from synonyms to contextual word usage. The app combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs, including creative writing, literature, exam preparation, and STEAM vocabulary. Note: 3 months of Word Tag Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€15,95

Ages 7-11

Storyteller's Illustrated Dictionary book and Word Tag app

Storyteller’s Word a Day

+ 3 months free of Word Tag ® Video Game

Flip a page every day until you magically transform into an international best-selling author.* Join our out-of-control characters as they rampage through 180 hilariously illustrated words that will liven up your writing. These are the words you need to describe characters, places, weather, action, emotions, tastes, and smells. The flipbook comes with a stand and is guaranteed to brighten up your home and get the whole family laughing. *Mrs Wordsmith accepts no responsibility for debut books that are rejected by publishers. For ages 7-11 Word Tag® Combines Game-Based Learning and Fun Into One Outrageously Effective App Rated 4.8 stars on the app store, Get the app that’s 100% fun, 100% learning, 100% GAME! Watch as your kids play their way to improved vocabulary test scores Word Tag is an engaging educational app designed to improve children's vocabulary through exciting mini-games, enhancing their reading and comprehension skills. The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, utilises spaced repetition to effectively teach new words, with each game reinforcing the learning process. Players can learn up to 1,000 words annually with just 20 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing their learning journey from synonyms to contextual word usage. The app combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs, including creative writing, literature, exam preparation, and STEAM vocabulary. Note: 3 months of Word Tag Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€22,95

Ages 7-11

Storyteller's Word a Day book and Word Tag app for kids.

The Book of Big Feelings

+ 3 months free of Readiculous Video Game

Cheerful? Grumpy? Puzzled? Mischievous? Silly? How do you feel today? Turn a page every day and discover a new hilariously illustrated word to help you express how you feel.On the back of each page you will find activities, stories, and questions that develop empathy and resilience, encourage inclusivity, and guide kids in forming positive relationships. Designed to be prominently displayed to spark conversations and make social and emotional learning a staple of daily life.Ages 4-8We make phonics fun! Readiculous teaches kids to read with the science of reading in just 10 minutes a day.The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, is designed to engage kids to learn to read through exciting mini-games. Readiculous engages kids to learn the sounds that go with each letter/spelling in a logical progression. As with most new things, repetition is the key to success. This is where we come in, we make learning ridiculously fun (pun intended) by designing reading games for maximum entertainment and educational value. Players learn 2x faster than traditional methods with just 10 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing which sounds, letters, and words they’re working on. Readiculous combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs.Note: 3 months of Readiculous Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€16,95

Ages 4-7

My Epic Life Daily Word Workout

+ 3 months free of Readiculous Video Game

180 pages of hilariously illustrated words to prepare you for whatever life throws at you. This daily word workout builds vocabulary, while introducing you to concepts that extend way beyond language. From basic math to science and technology, via valuable life lessons around emotions, inclusivity, tolerance, and respect, this daily wonder is designed to bring big ideas to the breakfast table. Ages 5-8We make phonics fun! Readiculous teaches kids to read with the science of reading in just 10 minutes a day.The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, is designed to engage kids to learn to read through exciting mini-games. Readiculous engages kids to learn the sounds that go with each letter/spelling in a logical progression. As with most new things, repetition is the key to success. This is where we come in, we make learning ridiculously fun (pun intended) by designing reading games for maximum entertainment and educational value. Players learn 2x faster than traditional methods with just 10 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing which sounds, letters, and words they’re working on. Readiculous combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs.Note: 3 months of Readiculous Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€22,95

Ages 5-8

My Epic Life Daily Word Workout & Readiculous mock

My Epic Life Word Book

+ 3 months free of Readiculous Video Game

1000 hilariously illustrated words to help with social skills and emotional awareness, counting, shapes & measurements, hygiene, outdoor adventures, and arts & crafts. These are epic words that prepare you to succeed at home, school, and life in an epic way. There will be joy. There will be tears. There will be a dog brushing his teeth on a hoverboard. Get ready for My Epic Life Word Book. Ages 5-8We make phonics fun! Readiculous teaches kids to read with the science of reading in just 10 minutes a day.The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, is designed to engage kids to learn to read through exciting mini-games. Readiculous engages kids to learn the sounds that go with each letter/spelling in a logical progression. As with most new things, repetition is the key to success. This is where we come in, we make learning ridiculously fun (pun intended) by designing reading games for maximum entertainment and educational value. Players learn 2x faster than traditional methods with just 10 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing which sounds, letters, and words they’re working on. Readiculous combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs.Note: 3 months of Readiculous Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€17,95

Ages 5-8

My Epic Life Word Book & Readiculous app mockup

Get Reading with Phonics

+ 3 months free of Readiculous Video Game

"S-a-t-p-i-n? Who sat on a pin? Are they okay? Should I call an ambulance?"These are all pretty common questions when first getting into phonics. Don't worry, we're here to help! This sticker-filled activity book covers 51 foundational phoneme-grapheme correspondences taught in Reception (starting with s-a-t-p-i-n!). It also features high-frequency words, so kids will be able to read short phrases by the end of the book. Get Reading with Phonics was developed with teachers and phonics experts and is aligned to the National Curriculum, making it the perfect tool for young readers. Get ready for a hilarious reading adventure!Ages 4-5We make phonics fun! Readiculous teaches kids to read with the science of reading in just 10 minutes a day.The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, is designed to engage kids to learn to read through exciting mini-games. Readiculous engages kids to learn the sounds that go with each letter/spelling in a logical progression. As with most new things, repetition is the key to success. This is where we come in, we make learning ridiculously fun (pun intended) by designing reading games for maximum entertainment and educational value. Players learn 2x faster than traditional methods with just 10 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing which sounds, letters, and words they’re working on. Readiculous combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs.Note: 3 months of Readiculous Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€13,95

Ages 4-5

Phonics workbook & Readiculous app for early readers.

Year 1 English Gargantuan Workbook

+ 3 months free of Readiculous Video Game

Unlock your potential with this 192-page English workbook. Become the first six-year-old to write a novel, publish an academic article, or host a Ted Talk on "The Importance of Conjunctions". This Year 1 workbook covers phonics, vocabulary, grammar, high-frequency words, handwriting, and more! This is not your average English workbook. Become the next child prodigy.Ages 5-6We make phonics fun! Readiculous teaches kids to read with the science of reading in just 10 minutes a day.The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, is designed to engage kids to learn to read through exciting mini-games. Readiculous engages kids to learn the sounds that go with each letter/spelling in a logical progression. As with most new things, repetition is the key to success. This is where we come in, we make learning ridiculously fun (pun intended) by designing reading games for maximum entertainment and educational value. Players learn 2x faster than traditional methods with just 10 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing which sounds, letters, and words they’re working on. Readiculous combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs.Note: 3 months of Readiculous Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€6,95

Ages 5-6

Year 1 English Workbook & Readiculous Mock

Reception English Colossal Workbook

+ 3 months free of Readiculous Video Game

Unlock your potential with this 192-page English workbook. Become the first five-year-old to write a novel, start a blog, or host a Ted Talk on "Phonological & Phonemic Awareness". This reception workbook covers letters and sounds, phonics, high-frequency words, vocabulary, handwriting, and more! This is not your average English workbook. Become the next child prodigy.Ages 4-5We make phonics fun! Readiculous teaches kids to read with the science of reading in just 10 minutes a day.The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, is designed to engage kids to learn to read through exciting mini-games. Readiculous engages kids to learn the sounds that go with each letter/spelling in a logical progression. As with most new things, repetition is the key to success. This is where we come in, we make learning ridiculously fun (pun intended) by designing reading games for maximum entertainment and educational value. Players learn 2x faster than traditional methods with just 10 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing which sounds, letters, and words they’re working on. Readiculous combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs.Note: 3 months of Readiculous Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€9,95

Ages 4-5

Reception English Workbook & Readiculous App

Year 3 English Sensational Workbook

+ 3 months free of Word Tag ® Video Game

Everything you need to know for Year 3 English in one book. Become the first eight-year-old to write a best-selling mystery novel, get hired as a detective, and solve crimes using your knowledge of subordinating conjunctions. This book covers vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling, reading comprehension, writing, handwriting, and more! This is not your average English workbook. Become the next child prodigy.Ages 7-8 Word Tag® Combines Game-Based Learning and Fun Into One Outrageously Effective App Rated 4.8 stars on the app store, Get the app that’s 100% fun, 100% learning, 100% GAME! Watch as your kids play their way to improved vocabulary test scores Word Tag is an engaging educational app designed to improve children's vocabulary through exciting mini-games, enhancing their reading and comprehension skills. The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, utilises spaced repetition to effectively teach new words, with each game reinforcing the learning process. Players can learn up to 1,000 words annually with just 20 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing their learning journey from synonyms to contextual word usage. The app combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs, including creative writing, literature, exam preparation, and STEAM vocabulary. Note: 3 months of Word Tag Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€6,95

Ages 7-8

Year 3 English workbook with Word Tag game

Year 2 English Wondrous Workbook

+ 3 months free of Word Tag ® Video Game

Everything you need to know for Year 2 English in one book. Become the first seven-year-old to write a best-selling cookbook, open a restaurant, and begin every recipe with a perfectly-crafted fronted adverbial. This book covers vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling, reading comprehension, writing, handwriting, and more! This is not your average English workbook. Become the next child prodigy.Ages 6-7 Word Tag® Combines Game-Based Learning and Fun Into One Outrageously Effective App Rated 4.8 stars on the app store, Get the app that’s 100% fun, 100% learning, 100% GAME! Watch as your kids play their way to improved vocabulary test scores Word Tag is an engaging educational app designed to improve children's vocabulary through exciting mini-games, enhancing their reading and comprehension skills. The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, utilises spaced repetition to effectively teach new words, with each game reinforcing the learning process. Players can learn up to 1,000 words annually with just 20 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing their learning journey from synonyms to contextual word usage. The app combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs, including creative writing, literature, exam preparation, and STEAM vocabulary. Note: 3 months of Word Tag Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€14,95

Ages 6-7

Year 2 English Wondrous Workbook and Word Tag app

Year 4 English Humongous Workbook

+ 3 months free of Word Tag ® Video Game

Everything you need to know for Year 4 English in one book. Become the first nine-year-old to write a feature-length film, land a job as an advertising exec, or give a lecture on metaphors and similes. This book covers vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling, reading comprehension, writing, and more! This is not your average English workbook. Become the next child prodigy.Ages 8-9 Word Tag® Combines Game-Based Learning and Fun Into One Outrageously Effective App Rated 4.8 stars on the app store, Get the app that’s 100% fun, 100% learning, 100% GAME! Watch as your kids play their way to improved vocabulary test scores Word Tag is an engaging educational app designed to improve children's vocabulary through exciting mini-games, enhancing their reading and comprehension skills. The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, utilises spaced repetition to effectively teach new words, with each game reinforcing the learning process. Players can learn up to 1,000 words annually with just 20 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing their learning journey from synonyms to contextual word usage. The app combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs, including creative writing, literature, exam preparation, and STEAM vocabulary. Note: 3 months of Word Tag Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€6,95

Ages 8-9

Year 4 English Humongous Workbook & Word Tag App

Year 5 English Stupendous Workbook

+ 3 months free of Word Tag ® Video Game

Everything you need to know for Year 5 English in one book. Become the first ten-year-old to run an environmental campaign, or to write a critical essay on hyperbole, or to revolutionise the use of parentheses in poetry. This book covers vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling, reading comprehension, writing, and more! This is not your average English workbook. Become the next child prodigy.Ages 9-10 Word Tag® Combines Game-Based Learning and Fun Into One Outrageously Effective App Rated 4.8 stars on the app store, Get the app that’s 100% fun, 100% learning, 100% GAME! Watch as your kids play their way to improved vocabulary test scores Word Tag is an engaging educational app designed to improve children's vocabulary through exciting mini-games, enhancing their reading and comprehension skills. The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, utilises spaced repetition to effectively teach new words, with each game reinforcing the learning process. Players can learn up to 1,000 words annually with just 20 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing their learning journey from synonyms to contextual word usage. The app combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs, including creative writing, literature, exam preparation, and STEAM vocabulary. Note: 3 months of Word Tag Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€6,95

Ages 9-10

ABC Handwriting Workbook

+ 3 months free of Readiculous Video Game

A hilarious, curriculum-aligned way to practise the alphabet and handwriting. Yes, the story is about a maggot. And yes, he has some unsavoury eating habits. But don't let that put you off because the alphabet has never been this fun.For ages 4-7We make phonics fun! Readiculous teaches kids to read with the science of reading in just 10 minutes a day.The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, is designed to engage kids to learn to read through exciting mini-games. Readiculous engages kids to learn the sounds that go with each letter/spelling in a logical progression. As with most new things, repetition is the key to success. This is where we come in, we make learning ridiculously fun (pun intended) by designing reading games for maximum entertainment and educational value. Players learn 2x faster than traditional methods with just 10 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing which sounds, letters, and words they’re working on. Readiculous combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs.Note: 3 months of Readiculous Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€9,95

Ages 4-7

ABC Handwriting Workbook with Readiculous app mock

Year 6 English Monumental Workbook

+ 3 months free of Word Tag ® Video Game

Everything you need to know for Year 6 English in one book. Become the first eleven-year-old to learn every word in the English language, start your own company called Mr Wordsmith, and put us out of business.* This book covers vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling, reading comprehension, writing, and more! This is not your average English workbook. Become the next child prodigy.Ages 10-11*If you think you have this potential, please do not buy this workbook. Please. Word Tag® Combines Game-Based Learning and Fun Into One Outrageously Effective App Rated 4.8 stars on the app store, Get the app that’s 100% fun, 100% learning, 100% GAME! Watch as your kids play their way to improved vocabulary test scores Word Tag is an engaging educational app designed to improve children's vocabulary through exciting mini-games, enhancing their reading and comprehension skills. The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, utilises spaced repetition to effectively teach new words, with each game reinforcing the learning process. Players can learn up to 1,000 words annually with just 20 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing their learning journey from synonyms to contextual word usage. The app combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs, including creative writing, literature, exam preparation, and STEAM vocabulary. Note: 3 months of Word Tag Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.

€6,95

Ages 10-11

Year 6 English Monumental Workbook & Word Tag app

See it! Stick it! - All Volumes

+ 3 months free of Readiculous Video Game

A bundle of 4 volumes, with 400 sight words for ages 3-7 Accelerates kids' reading with a fun, reusable sticker for every word! Words to learn include days of the week, colors, irregular verbs, and common prepositions Pronunciation guide included with every word, access unique QR codes with your smartphone "See what? Stick what?" We hear you cry, and the answer is... sight words! This four-part series covers 400 essential sight words to boost your reading fluency. Learn to read high-frequency words on topics like days of the week, colors, irregular verbs, and common prepositions. Each word comes with a fun, reusable sticker to help accelerate kids' reading, as well as a pronunciation guide that you can access with your smartphone! Ages 3-7 Plus FREE access to the Readiculous App! Readiculous teaches kids to read with the science of reading in just 10 minutes a day. The game, endorsed by literacy experts and grounded in scientific research, is designed to engage kids to learn to read through exciting mini-games. Readiculous engages kids to learn the sounds that go with each letter/spelling in a logical progression. As with most new things, repetition is the key to success. This is where we come in, we make learning ridiculously fun (pun intended) by designing reading games for maximum entertainment and educational value. Players learn 2x faster than traditional methods with just 10 minutes of daily play, reflected in personal progress reports showcasing which sounds, letters, and words they’re working on. Readiculous combines fun gameplay with educational content, tailored to support various needs. Note: 3 months of Readiculous Video Game is a non-cumulative promotion limited to one per customer.