The Amazing Benefits of Handwriting

Handwriting with a quality pen is a centuries-old tradition for sharing ideas, documenting important milestones, crafting poetry, composing music and capturing the key moments of our lives in diaries and letters. As a maker of premium-quality pens, we believe in the beauty, elegance and inherent value of the handwritten word.
But did you know that handwriting has a number of physical, emotional and psychological benefits, too? Many researchers have studied the benefits of expressing yourself through handwriting, and the results are amazing.

Handwriting helps us to be more creative

There is more to handwriting than the simple joy of the writing experience. The process of putting pen to paper helps stimulate parts of the brain that inspire creativity. For example, according to a study by Michael L. Slepian and Nalini Ambady, (link: http://ambadylab.stanford.edu/pubs/Slepian-Ambady_Fluid-Movement-and-Creativity_%20in-press_JEPG.pdf), fluid arm movement like handwriting can inspire us and can help us be more creative. 

There have been many examples of the connection between handwriting and creativity through the years. Many famous authors have written their manuscripts by hand rather than using a keyboard or typewriter. Literary greats like Pulitzer Prize winner Ernest Hemingway and renowned children’s author Roald Dahl, among others, were committed to drafting their manuscripts by hand. In another fascinating example, author Truman Capote would only write his manuscripts by hand while lying down! From authors to composers, the process of writing by hand improves our creativity as we capture our ideas. 

Handwriting improves understanding and retention

If you’re looking for ways to improve your comprehension of ideas and your ability to remember information later, try handwriting your notes. Studies have shown that both adults and children improve their understanding, recall and the ability to share ideas through handwriting.
In a study led by Virginia Berninger, a University of Washington professor of educational psychology, grade-school children were able to write longer essays and compose them faster when using a pen rather than a keyboard.  (Link)
Adults demonstrate a better understanding of concepts and ideas when writing down information. When taking notes by hand during a lecture or presentation, adults reported that they remember and understand ideas more fully when compared with typing notes on a keyboard.  (Link)

Handwriting helps you relax

Feeling anxious, stressed or cross? Pen, paper and ink can be the answer. The act of writing, especially when combined with positive, affirming words, can calm you and help you relax.
According to graphologist and handwriting expert Dr. Marc Seifer, (Link: https://mashable.com/2015/01/19/handwriting-brain-benefits/?utm_cid=mash-com-Tw-main-link&utm_medium=yahoo#asaiKbvwikq9) author of the best-selling book, “The Definitive Book of Handwriting Analysis,” jotting down a sentence like, ‘I will be more peaceful’ at least 20 times per day can improve your mood and help you relax. It also helps you clear your mind of distractions and allows you to focus.

Handwriting slows down aging in the brain 

One of the things we worry about as we get older is keeping our mind active and healthy. There are a number of games and activities designed to help keep the brain from slowing down, such playing the piano, or other creative pursuits. But one of the handiest ways to delay the brain from aging, while maintaining a sense of positivity, is the simple act of practicing handwriting.

Handwriting is a great exercise for adults over 50 years old to keep the brain sharp because it involves memory, motor skills and other brain functions. (Link: https://www.learning-mind.com/handwriting-practice-brain/) Forbes Magazine reports that sequential hand movements like those used in handwriting “activate large regions of the brain responsible for thinking, language, healing and working memory.” (Link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nancyolson/2016/05/15/three-ways-that-writing-with-a-pen-positively-affects-your-brain/#4835f5505705)

So, to keep that brain in shape as you get older, exercise it by breaking out a pen and paper and jotting down your thoughts and ideas.

Writing a thank-you note actually helps you feel better

Has someone done something nice for you lately? Has someone’s actions made the world a little better place? Sending a handwritten thank-you note will not only make them feel better – research shows that the sender of the card gets a surprising benefit, too.

According to Psychology Today, sending a handwritten thank-you note is actually a win-win. Research from the University of Texas showed that we often underestimate how much a thank-you note will be appreciated by the recipient and how it would make the author of the note feel. (link: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201808/handwritten-thank-you-notes-have-surprising-consequences) The research found that expressing gratitude in a handwritten note “boosts positive emotions and well-being for both the letter-writing ‘expresser’ and the recipient.”

So, when someone does something nice, or you want to feel happier, write a thank you note.

At Zenzoi, we are proud to provide premium fountain pens and premium roller pens that allow our customers to not only enjoy the beauty and elegance of writing, but also experience some of the life-changing benefits from the written word. From improved memory and creativity to more positive feelings, handwriting can make your life, happier, healthier and more productive.