"A blog (contradiction of the term web log) is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, description of events, or other materials such as graphics or video" - Wikipedia

Or in other words, an online diary. Recent research has shown that blogging, the process of keeping an online journal can be therapeutic and relaxing to the mind. However not only can blogging be used as a form of self-medication, but its proven to improve sleep, memory and focus!

It is a well known fact - having a rant about the days problems, celebrating a happy event with the online community can actually help us create a sense of relief.

When we write something down (on paper or virtually) it can help us to think more clear/level-headed and logically. When everything is in front of you sorting out problems and finding solutions becomes suddenly a lot easier.

But why not write a diary? Why blog? Because with blogging you can get what you can never get with journal/diary - peoples opinions, sympathies and advice. It can cheer you up immensely; other people, strangers even, offering you advice - and sometimes and an outsiders view can be exactly what we were looking for, whether its how to go about solving a problem or assessing life in general.

When blogging you are not only restricted to writing - you can post pictures, videos even music to share with others. And "others" doesn't have to mean strangers; why not invite your friends and family to follow your blog? It's an excellent method of communicating and recounting experiences, especially useful if you have friends and relatives living abroad.

Encourage your peers to join you as well - you will become a lot closer to them as a person and they to you, but it’s your decision as to how much. Not only can you "follow" theirs (a term for regulary reading updates of an others blog) but find blogs of your personal interest; you can find others in the online community that share the same passion for a book, film or hobby.

Go to blogger.com to create your own blog now, tell your friends all about it, and you could have all of this - and less stress in your life!

By Georgia Wright