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What is storytelling? -

Storytelling is usually described as the practice of telling stories verbally or writing them down. They are often shared as a form of entertainment, learning tools, or to connect with others.

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TED Talks -

TED Talks are fine examples of storytelling, as many of the speakers have mastered the use of engaging narratives to effectively deliver information on topics such as science and psychology.

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Storytelling in business -

Businesses are now seeing it as a valuable skill, and organize workshops to teach their employees how to craft narratives and integrate them into their work.

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Live events -

Podcasts like ‘The Moth’ and ‘Risk!’ record their live events that bring storytelling back to its purest form. One person gets on stage with nothing but a microphone and tells the audience a story. The stories can be about anything, as long as they are personal and true. The popularity of these events has been growing in recent decades, and some people can now call themselves professional storytellers!

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What are the benefits? - The value of storytelling has been recognized in many areas, but what impact does it have on our mental and physical health?

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Narrative psychology -

The American Psychological Association defines narrative psychology as a field that “investigates the value of stories and storytelling in giving meaning to individuals’ experiences—shaping their memory of past events, their understanding of the present, and their projections of future events—and in defining themselves and their lives.”

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Jonathan Adler -

Jonathan Adler, a professor of psychology at Olin College in Massachusetts, has been studying the connection between our personal narratives and our mental well-being for years.

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The importance of reflection -

He suggests that the stories we hold onto about our experiences, particularly the challenging ones, have a lasting impact on our mental state and well-being. We can take meaning and growth from our experiences if we take the time to reflect on them.

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Identity - Sometimes it’s necessary to gain clarity and perhaps view the situation from another perspective in order to heal and let go of false narratives that cause us pain and hold us back. Adler believes that our stories are key to our sense of self and our identities, so surely they’re worth paying careful attention to!

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Healing - It makes sense that the stories we believe about ourselves, our experiences, and our traumas shape our worldview. Practicing storytelling in a mindful way allows us to regain authorship of our own narratives and, by extension, our lives.

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Health Story Collaborative -

Adler's work inspired doctor and professor Annie Brewster to start an organization called Health Story Collaborative in 2010. Its purpose is to facilitate healing and growth for those affected by physical and mental health issues through storytelling.

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Therapeutic benefits -

Brewster is yet another champion of the research-supported benefits of storytelling for mental health. In this case, it helps patients and their families work through the trauma that comes with illness by telling their stories and hearing the stories of others.

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Benefits for all -

Of course, storytelling holds therapeutic benefits for everyone, whether you're the one sharing or the one listening.

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Improve your listening skills -

When you start to focus on the benefits of storytelling, you're likely to be more in tune with others as they share their stories with you. Active listening is a valuable skill that makes others feel heard and understood, strengthening our relationships.

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Improve your listening skills -

What's more, when you bring a new level of attentiveness to a conversation, you might be surprised by what you learn.

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Foster imagination and creativity -

When you focus on stories and approach life with more curiosity, it can boost your imagination and inspire your creative side. Whether it comes from speaking to others or reading stories in books, the benefits of creativity are tenfold.

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Foster imagination and creativity -

Research suggests that creative people actually live longer. One study showed that those who worked in a creative field had lower rates of cardiovascular disease than others, while another showed that they lived longer even if they suffered from heart disease or cancer. Sounds like we could all benefit from a bit more creativity in our lives!

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Increase your empathy -

When we connect with others on an emotional level, our brains release oxytocin. This hormone is associated with empathy and strengthening bonds in relationships.

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Increase your empathy -

We inevitably feel more connected to others when they open up to us and share their stories, and vice versa. While research shows it causes a reaction on a chemical level, we don't need scientific evidence to know the powerful effect it has.

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Improve your memory -

Storytelling has also been shown to improve memory retention. We tend to remember things more when we create something around them, so crafting a story about our experiences can help us remember them better. A study conducted at Western University in Ontario, Canada, found that those who told stories had a 20% increase in the white fibers of their brains. This not only strengthens their memories but also helps to protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s.

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Improve your memory -

Many studies have also shown that we remember information better when it's woven into a narrative. If you think about the best teachers you ever had, they most likely captured your attention and helped you learn by teaching you through stories. One Stanford professor says that we remember information shared in a narrative “up to 22 times more than facts alone.”

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Feel happier -

There's plenty of research to suggest that storytelling increases positive emotions. From the release of oxytocin to the way it helps us shape our worldview and build a sense of identity, the benefits are strong.

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Feel happier -

A study performed with hospitalized children found that one storytelling session increased their oxytocin levels, reduced cortisol (a hormone associated with stress), reduced pain, and resulted in a positive emotional shift. It would seem that storytelling can make us feel better both emotionally and physically.

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Reduce your stress levels -

The power to reduce stress is another of the myriad of benefits of storytelling. Focusing on someone else's life allows us to detach from our own problems, and the emotional connection helps us to relax and feel safe.

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Reduce your stress levels -

Our brains release endorphins and serotonin, chemicals that increase our sense of well-being. They calm us both physically and mentally. This shows us that listening to stories can be an effective way to manage stress.

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Relieve symptoms of depression -

Storytelling can't prevent or cure depression, but studies have shown that it can decrease the symptoms of depression in up to 50% of patients.

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Relieve symptoms of depression -

Depression often stems from or is exacerbated by feelings of loneliness and isolation. By sharing our stories, we allow ourselves to connect with others and feel understood, while listening to the stories of others helps us feel less alone in our experiences.

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Learn from your successes and failures -

By telling our stories, we find new perspectives and ways of thinking about things. This is particularly important when it comes to reflecting on our successes and our failures. The way we view these moments in our lives can determine whether or not we take positive learnings from them.

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Learn from your successes and failures -

The narratives of our successes help us build up self-esteem and motivate us. The narratives of our failures are just as powerful, if not more so. If you didn't achieve your desired outcome, does that mean it was all a waste? Or are you proud of your attempt and what you learned from the experience?

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Transform your story -

We all have the power to work through the problematic stories we believe about ourselves that hold us back. For every situation, there are countless interpretations, and all of them are true. Practicing storytelling can help you regain control of your own stories and find a healthier way of looking at yourself and the world around you.

See also: How to improve your storytelling skills

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