Storytelling is a fundamental part of what it means to be human. It transcends age, culture, and experience, connecting us through shared narratives. From the earliest moments of our lives, we begin telling stories, often becoming storytellers and authors without even realizing it. Whether expressed through poetry, songs, dance, art, or even lighthearted jokes, storytelling improves our lives in countless ways.
Beyond your imagination
Storytelling not only helps us remember and imagine, solve problems, and understand others, but it encourages us to explore the human condition and embrace our shared humanity. Here are just some of the ways how storytelling improves our lives:
- Coping through storytelling: One of the most powerful aspects of storytelling is its ability to help us cope with difficult situations. Writing expressively allows individuals to process their emotions, especially during stressful or traumatic events. In fact, research shows that articulating our feelings through stories can lead to better mental and physical health. Simply listening to someone tell a story increases oxytocin and lowers stress and cortisol.
- Memory and imagination:
- Cohesive storytelling helps people remember the details of real and fictional events. This corresponds to the hippocampus, which connects different parts of a story into one memory.
- Each day, we craft narratives in our minds about how events will unfold, shaping our perceptions of reality. As we plan for the future—whether it’s a vacation or a career change—we tell ourselves stories that inspire hope and excitement. These narratives help frame our experiences, influencing how we view ourselves and the world around us.
- Problem-solving through storytelling: Storytelling can be a tool for problem-solving. By exploring various scenarios and actions through narratives, we can experiment with potential outcomes. Collaborating with others in this creative process often introduces new perspectives and ideas that we may not have considered on our own. This collaborative storytelling can lead to innovative solutions and deeper understanding.
- Understanding and empathy: Stories are vital in cultivating empathy and understanding for others. They allow us to step into someone else’s shoes and see the world through their eyes. Whether we know the individual or not, hearing their story creates a connection and builds compassion. This ability to relate to others is important for developing strong social skills and building meaningful relationships.
- Literacy development:
- Finally, storytelling plays an important role in literacy development. From an early age, children are exposed to stories through nursery rhymes, songs, and bedtime tales. These experiences lay the groundwork for reading and writing.
- Some children learn storytelling through tactile and sensory experiences. For example, visually impaired or Deafblind children may experience a story by exploring special items placed in an experience box or bag. As children begin to tell their own stories, they gain confidence in their ability to communicate and share their thoughts with others.
Becoming a storyteller
For Jane Rosenthal, becoming a storyteller has always been second nature. As an award-winning radio journalist, poet, and teacher, Jane has built a career around telling stories – whether inspiring change or crafting thrillers. From a horse ranch in the Sierra Mountains to Old Mexico, her writing journey has been as dynamic as her novels.
Want to know more about how this author got her start? Read our latest blog for the full scoop.