Poetry & Journaling for Emotions

Introduction: An expressive writing workshop using poetry, metaphors, or journal entries to explore feelings. Seniors are prompted to write short poems (haiku, acrostic) or journal reflections about topics like gratitude, nature, or current feelings. Research shows that expressive writing (even informal) can significantly uplift mood and lower depression and anxiety in older adults.

Goals: Provide a creative outlet for emotions, practice descriptive writing, and encourage mindfulness through words.

Structure & Duration: 1 hour. Start with a gentle breathing or mindfulness exercise to focus the mind. Introduce a poetic form (e.g. writing a haiku about something they see). Provide examples and templates. Alternatively, have them open a journal and write “I feel grateful for…” or “Right now I feel…” for 5 minutes without editing.

Methodology:

• Guided Prompts: Use sensory prompts (e.g. “Write a sensory poem about the ocean,” or “Write one sentence about how you feel today and expand it”).
• Shared Exploration: Read a few sample poems by older authors (e.g. Mary Oliver, Li-Young Lee) to inspire.
• Encourage Reflection: After writing, invite participants to share lines or metaphors. Focus on the positive impact of expressing feelings (“When I share, I feel…”).

Example Prompts:

• “In one sentence, write how you felt this week.”
• “Describe your emotions as weather (e.g. ‘My heart is a sunny morning’).”
• “Write a short poem about a favorite childhood toy or a current hobby.”

Learning Outcomes: Participants learn to articulate emotions and use creative language. This practice can enhance mood and emotional clarity. Writing for emotional expression is linked to better health outcomes and reduced lonelinessgenerations.asaging.orggenerations.asaging.org. Participants also develop a personal coping tool: they leave knowing they can journal or create poetry to manage feelings.

Evaluation: Use pre-/post self-report scales for mood or stress to measure change. Observe participation (willingness to write and share). Collect written outputs (anonymous if needed) to note emotional themes. A follow-up discussion on how writing made them feel (relieved, connected, proud) also serves as informal evaluation.