Writing Supports Wellbeing – 2025 Northumbria Study Highlights the Power of writing
Skyros Holidays, Greece · June 2025

In an age of wellness getaways and digital detoxes, one unexpected tool is helping travellers reset and reconnect: the humble notebook. At Skyros Holidays, a pioneering retreat on the unspoilt Greek island of Skyros, writing has become more than creative expression. It's a clinically backed method for emotional clarity, stress relief, and personal growth.

“People don't just come here to write,” says Skyros director Christine Schulz. “They come to reclaim something, their voice, their perspective, their space to think.”

The Science of Writing, The Power of Place

A major 2025 review by Northumbria University, published in PLOS One, analysed 51 studies on expressive writing practices such as gratitude letters and visualisation exercises. The verdict: writing boosts happiness, resilience, and life satisfaction in measurable ways.

This aligns with the work of Dr James Pennebaker (University of Texas), who in the 1980s found that writing about emotional experiences could reduce blood pressure, strengthen immune function, and lower anxiety. “Participants even made fewer GP visits,” noted the study.

Writing Retreats Meet Nature Therapy

It's not just the pen, it's where you pick it up. Nature-based writing retreats are gaining popularity in 2025 as travellers seek meaningful, screen-free experiences. Research shows that natural settings support cognitive restoration and reduce attention fatigue, key ingredients for creativity.

At Skyros, guests write under pine trees, beside the Aegean Sea, or on shaded stone terraces, often with the sound of cicadas and the scent of herbs in the air. The setting, says Schulz, “does half the work.”

Courses This Summer

Writing Yourself Whole with Tom Kelly
19–26 July 2025 · Atsitsa Bay

Dare to Write with Amanda Smyth
9–22 August 2025 · Atsitsa Bay

Your Story on the Page with Diane Connell
13–20 September 2025 · Atsitsa Bay

All retreats are suitable for beginners and seasoned writers alike, offering a mix of practical craft, group support, and emotional depth.

Guests Say It Best

“This writing course opened up a whole new world for me. From now on, life will never be the same.” — M.H.

“I came away lighter, freer, and more connected to my creative energy.” — S.M.

Why Skyros Works

• Mood Boosting: Expressive writing increases happiness and optimism
  
  
• Stress Relief: Lowers blood pressure, improves sleep and mental clarity
  
  
• Creative Flow: Nature, expert tutors, and communal meals support deep focus
  
  
• Connection: Small groups foster friendship and trust
  
  

An Invitation to Reflect

Whether you're journaling privately or drafting your first novel, Skyros invites you to join a growing wave of creative travellers looking for substance and soul.

View retreats or book: www.skyros.com

Press Contact:
Leigh Jackman
marketing@skyros.com
+44 (0)1983 865 566