Creative writing is bound to make your life as a student easier.

And before you say “but I’m not a writer!” or “that sounds boring, hand me the remote Teach!”, please hear us out. Creative writing is good for your soul, your grades, and your stress levels.

Grab your pens! Grab your journals! We’re doing a Bridget Jones style overhaul of our non-writing selves.

#1 You’ll Be Better At Essays

This one’s obvious, but it’s worth reiterating: consistent writing helps your vocabulary and sentence structure, which naturally helps your essays.

The only way to get better at writing is to do it more. And while we’re talking about creative writing, not essay writing, it’ll still give you an idea of what words sound good, how to form smart and coherent sentences, and, of course, grammar and punctuation!

#2 Stress Management

A paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association “demonstrated that writing really is good for both your physical and mental health”. Other studies have shown an overall improvement in the mood of people who write about their experiences.

Writing down your worries and concerns helps you think through them and come to terms with your feelings. It’s literally free therapy.

#3 You Can Be As Messy As You Want

You know how drama and gossip is so fun until you realise it’s actual human beings you’re talking about?

You don’t have to feel guilty at all when you’re making up the characters. Write stories of wicked stepmums, mafia overlords who gaslight as dads, or a twin sister you never realised you had who looks like Lindsay Lohan. So much juicy, messy shit, the Real Housewives will be begging you for inspiration.

#4 It’s Not Your Phone

Sitting down with a pen and paper, and getting distracted by something that doesn’t have an LED backing light is pretty good for your brain.

Getting used to being away from technology and grappling with your thoughts will put you back in touch with yourself — rather than distracting you from it.

#5 Meditation Without Meditating

Meditation is boring. This is just a fact. Writing down a story, or a stream of conciousness journal entry will soothe you faster than you can say “but my life is SO HECTIC right now”.

So seriously: start writing now.