In a world dominated by digital technology, writing is often seen as a practice that has lost its place. In fact, for many, it has become something of a lost art. However, some — myself included — have found in writing a way to reconnect with ourselves. And although these moments are increasingly rare, they are essential for our well-being, mind, and creativity. Read on to discover why writing remains one of the most powerful ways to connect with oneself.
Slow Down
It is in the nature of handwriting to slow us down — and quite necessary, too, if we still want to decipher what we’ve written later. Jokes aside, we all know that when we type, we usually do it at a very fast pace, often getting ahead of our thoughts. This is not the case with handwriting, which requires some technique and a slightly slower rhythm, allowing us to think more carefully about each idea we put on paper. Instead of rushing, we become more aware of what we are expressing and, as a result, can reflect more deeply.
Handwriting also helps reduce distractions, which are quite everywhere around us. In fact, writing in a notebook means no switching between tabs, checking notifications, or responding to emails. It’s just you, your pen, and your thoughts. Handwriting allows me to be fully present in the moment, and I love that. It gives me a sense of focus I can’t find anywhere else.
Express Your Emotions
It’s no longer a secret that writing by hand has a direct connection to our emotions. Studies show that the act of writing engages the brain differently than typing, activating areas linked to memory, learning, and emotional processing. This makes handwriting an excellent tool for self-reflection and personal insight. “When writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns are far more elaborate than when typing on a keyboard. This extensive connectivity is crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information and, therefore, is beneficial for learning,” suggests a study from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
If you want to try an experiment, start with journaling. Whenever you feel down or go through a difficult period, write your thoughts down — you’ll soon notice how therapeutic it can be. That’s because journaling allows you to explore your feelings without judgment. When you write by hand, there’s no delete button, no backspacing — just a raw, unfiltered expression of your thoughts. Many people find that writing out their worries, fears, and hopes helps them process emotions more effectively than simply thinking about them.
Boost Your Creativity
Despite everything you’ve heard so far, handwriting unlocks creativity in a way that typing does not. Why? It’s simple — writing on paper engages your mind differently, making connections that may not occur in a digital format. That’s why many authors, poets, and artists prefer to brainstorm and draft their ideas by hand — it encourages freer, more intuitive thinking.
Handwriting also allows you to express yourself as freely as you want, experimenting with different writing styles or typography — unlike typing, where everything looks uniform. Your handwriting is unique to you, reflecting your personality, mood, and energy in a way typed text simply cannot. This personal touch adds a layer of authenticity to your words, making them feel more meaningful.
Connect With Yourself
Beyond journaling, handwriting can help you reconnect with yourself in other ways. Writing letters to your future self, jotting down dreams, or even making to-do lists by hand can create a deeper connection to your thoughts. The best part? You can revisit your greatest ideas months or even years later—and trust me, you’ll be surprised to see how far you’ve come.
That’s the beauty of handwriting: it lasts for decades. I once wrote myself a letter. I remember being in high school, wanting to thank myself for staying consistent over the years, for not giving up, and for chasing even the craziest dreams. Now, every time I read it, I get emotional and realize just how powerful it is to manifest dreams onto paper.
So, just do it. Grab a piece of paper, pick a pen, ink it up, and write down whatever comes to mind.
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