Writing can have a therapeutic effect. This is confirmed by scientists as well as practical experience.

In this personal and inspiring article, virtual assistant Nevena Milin shares how the very skill of writing helped her manage everyday stress and challenges. Through her thoughtful approach, she reveals that serious, structured writing isn’t only useful for clients but also for her own mental health.

Writing is my passion, as stated on my GoThrive profile where I completed the “Virtual Assistant – How to Become One and How to Thrive” course last year. Although I had known about the virtual assistant role for some time, it was only last year that I dared to step into that world, knowing that writing was a sought-after skill.

As I write this, I can’t help but notice that feeling when tension—sometimes unbearable due to the pace of modern life—suddenly melts away without me realizing it, and I find myself completely relaxed, wondering what happened. Well, the only thing that happened between those two mindsets is writing.

I either sit down at my computer or simply pick up pen and paper. In this case, the computer’s therapeutic effect is no less powerful than the pen-and-paper method. The text is already formed in my mind after I choose one of the several topics swirling around in my head.

Then I decide on the topic, and the words flow on their own. My text—several A4 pages long—is ready in under an hour and is grammatically correct. Proofreading is almost unnecessary because I have a natural talent for spelling. I believe this is a perfectly normal situation that can happen to anyone, though I admit I haven’t found a modern medical study confirming the therapeutic effect of serious writing. Of course, I’m not claiming that this particular text is extremely serious, even though my intention to inspire others is sincere.

Something like this is to be expected. As much as dumping informal content onto paper can be healing, and as much as writing a serious text can feel burdensome for someone tense or depressed, it’s important to emphasize that creating a serious text requires maximum dedication so that the client is satisfied and objectives are achieved.

The same applies to writing texts for project proposals—such a text must not be poor if you want your project to be accepted. Moreover, for conditions like depression, trauma disorders, and other ailments, work therapy is one of the key methods in the treatment process.

When creating a serious text, you must pay attention to detail, spelling, structure, stay on topic, and do everything you can to ensure the text receives a positive response. You focus completely, and you don’t have time to think of yourself as the unhappiest being on the planet. After finishing the text, you certainly have no energy for negative thoughts. If the text is well received, your mental state improves significantly, as do your motivation and desire to refine your writing skills.

I hope this reflection of mine inspires at least one person to try the therapeutic effects of serious writing. If writing isn’t part of your current job, let your imagination run free. There are plenty of sites with tips for writing quality content if you need help. If you want to write more yourself, here are a few useful tips:

1. Write regularly, but without pressure.

Not every text needs to be perfect or published. It’s enough to write for yourself—daily or occasionally—because writing develops through practice.

2. Choose topics that truly interest you.

When you write about something close to you, the words come more naturally. Real-life experiences are often the best source of inspiration.

3. Observe how others write.

Reading different types of texts can help you develop your own style. Pay attention to tone, structure, and rhythm—and let both good and bad examples teach you something. There are various freelance platforms where you can also earn money by writing. I also hope that medicine will eventually speak about the therapeutic effects of serious writing.

Nevena Milin completed her virtual assistant course in 2024. She specialized in writing various documents, letters, emails, as well as content creation and copywriting. Upon entering the world of virtual assistance, she decided to channel her passion for writing, accuracy, and organization into business success. Her contact email is nevena.milin@gmail.com.