Just as you regularly go to the gym, practice yoga, or eat healthy to maintain your well-being, handwriting also has its perks — regardless of how neat or messy your handwriting is. So, set your phone aside and take a small break from typing, as I share with you some valuable insights on the benefits of handwriting. In fact, why not grab a notebook or a piece of paper and write down whatever you find useful in this article?
The Science Behind Handwriting
Unlike typing, which tends to be more linear and mechanical, handwriting seems to engage the mind differently, as studies show. This complex act engages multiple regions of the brain, stimulating creativity more effectively than typing. Let’s find out how that’s possible!
While many consider typing as a faster and more efficient method, handwriting, despite being way slower, offers greater advantages. It has been shown to strengthen memory and improve learning, with substantial evidence supporting its cognitive benefits. A study conducted by psychologists Audrey van der Meer and Ruud van der Weel at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that handwriting led to more intricate brain connectivity patterns, which are essential for memory formation and information encoding. Using high-density EEG recordings, they compared brain activity during handwriting and typing tasks.
Building on this, a study of university students found that writing on physical paper triggered more intense brain activity when participants were asked to recall information an hour later, compared to writing on tablets or smartphones. This indicates that the distinctive spatial and tactile elements of handwriting on paper play an important role in improving memory retention.
Mental Clarity
One of the most immediate benefits of handwriting is its ability to clear your mind. Whenever you put pen to paper, you slow down your thoughts, and that allows you to approach your emotions and actions with greater intention. Let’s take journaling, for example — a practice that brings more clarity to the mind and even helps some individuals manage stress, anxiety, or overwhelming emotions. If you experience tough periods, try putting your thoughts into writing, and you’ll likely notice a sense of relief by the end.
Another study led by psychologist Dr. James Pennebaker in 1983 revealed that writing on paper about stressful experiences helped participants process emotions, reduce mental distress, and improve their overall health. Throughout the study, the psychologist discovered that the tactile and intentional act of handwriting engages both motor and cognitive processes, amplifying its therapeutic benefits. As a result, those who took part in the study experienced improved emotional and physical health, including fewer visits to the doctor.
More Creativity
Handwriting has the power to unlock creativity in ways typing simply cannot. You may have noticed that the slower, more deliberate pace of writing by hand gives your brain time to explore ideas, make connections, and think outside the box. The creative power of handwriting has been championed by numerous celebrated authors, artists, and thinkers. Philip Pullman, the acclaimed author of His Dark Materials, has relied on pen and paper for nearly six decades, preferring to draft his stories on narrow-lined sheets with a Montblanc ballpoint. Similarly, Tracy Chevalier, known for her novel Girl with a Pearl Earring, crafts her work by writing in notebooks before transferring it to a computer. She finds the tactile process of handwriting to create a more natural and harmonious connection between the mind and the act of creation compared to typing.
Efficient Learning
I’m not sure if you’ve ever tried this, but when I was in university, I regularly took notes in a notebook and noticed that I retained more information from lectures compared to when I typed on my Mac. Well, that is because handwriting forces you to actively process and summarize information rather than passively transcribe it. Studies have shown that students who write their notes by hand outperform their colleagues who type, particularly in subjects that require critical thinking and analysis. While this might not work for everyone, try experimenting for a couple of weeks: write down parts of your favorite book by hand, then type some sections into your computer. Compare which method helps you retain the most and let us know.
How To Practice Handwriting More
There are many simple and enjoyable ways to write more by hand, and one of the easiest is using sticky notes. That’s right — grab a set of classic sticky notes and jot down ideas, reminders, or to-dos. I even heard Kevin O’Leary recommending this one in one of his Instagram posts. Another great option is journaling. Find a few minutes each day to record your thoughts, goals, or reflections in a cool notebook, using one of your favorite pens.
You could also send a handwritten card to a friend celebrating a promotion or to congratulate your sister on her graduation. Handwritten notes are making a comeback, and you might even inspire your colleagues when they see you taking notes during your weekly board meetings. Feeling creative? Try crafting a few poems or short stories by hand.
Whatever you do, make sure to practice handwriting regularly, even daily if possible — it’s the only way to reap its valuable benefits. Incorporate it into your routine and observe how it enhances your life. And remember, it’s not just my opinion — it’s science that backs it up.
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