Recently, several articles about the benefits of writing, drawing, and doodling in journals have popped up. Looking at a stack of new or slightly used journals in my office, it was clear how dependent I have become on just typing away on my laptop.
Then, an article from Psychiatrist.com, offered this quote from Professor Audrey van der Meer, from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), "We show that when writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns are far more elaborate than when typewriting on a keyboard… Such widespread brain connectivity is known to be crucial for memory formation and for encoding new information and, therefore, is beneficial for learning." *
So, if writing by hand has benefits for learning and memory for all ages, then I'm in!
Try this: Remember to Write by Hand
In giving journaling or writing notes by hand, author Sergio Esquivias** offered these questions to discover what benefits it brings to you:
- How does this change my experience?
- Do I feel less pressured by meeting daily goals?
- Am I more focused when I write on a physical medium?
- What has changed?
If picking up a pen or pencil to write, doodle or draw has real value for my brain, it is helpful to document the benefits. Pulling out a fresh new journal right now!
* "Handwriting Shows Unexpected Benefits Over Typing," Denis Storey, https://www.psychiatrist.com/news/handwriting-shows-unexpected-benefits-over-typing/#
** "How Has Writing by Hand Saved My Craft?" Sergio Esquivias, https://long.sweet.pub/how-has-writing-by-hand-saved-my-craft-cb0042a8434e