When it comes to writing, I feel like I have the best of both worlds. In primary school, I learnt cursive handwriting. Then, as I grew older, I learnt how to embrace ever-evolving technology, to convey my thoughts and words via a keyboard.
Obviously, the use of technological gadgets is booming. They’re faster, economical and allow us to share information more broadly.
But whether you’re a Baby Boomer or Gen X, Y or Z doesn’t mean that you should ditch handwriting altogether. In fact, I believe we all need to have a balance of both.
Yes, emoji’s can be fun, but there’s an exquisite beauty — nobility even (as I’m sure playwright and Nobel Prize winner George Bernard Shaw would agree) — in the rawness of the handwritten word.
So whether your writing is legible or not, here are eight reasons why handwriting is good for your wellbeing.
1. Creates Personalised Connections
Barely a day goes by without creating or receiving messages with the likes of SMS, MMS, email, Messenger or social media, let alone reading Word documents or scrolling through various digital media.
While they might be brimming with wonderful insights or information, digital text tends to feel overwhelming and less meaningful. The information isn’t necessarily absorbed as readily, people skim over bits and/or it’s prone to misinterpretation.
When you read a handwritten note, card or letter, though, it instantly creates a more personalised connection. That’s because handwriting conveys the emotion exactly as intended.
We savour the sentiment so that it becomes etched in our hearts and minds.
2. Encourages Free-Flowing Thoughts & Words
The beauty of handwriting words is they can simply pour on to the page without editing or amending typos as you go.
What’s more, you’re less likely to be distracted, unlike if you were using a tablet, laptop, smartphone or PC, when you invariably end up doing internet searches or check emails and social media. As a result, they disrupt the natural flow of your thoughts.
That’s why handwriting captures your thoughts better and the quality of words conveyed improves. You have more freedom of expression.
In turn, handwritten words are more likely to be considered and heartfelt.
As novelist James Robertson eloquently wrote in his book The Testament of Gideon Mack, “I prefer the pen. There is something elemental about the glide and flow of nib and ink on paper.”
3. Improves Literacy Skills
Although a lot of us have started to lose the art of being able to handwrite, nowadays most young kids are taught print writing, not cursive. There’s no organic join between the letters within a word. At the same time, it’s usually within the first few years of their schooling that there’s more emphasis on using tablets or laptops.
It’s a shame that the balance of technology and handwriting isn’t maintained. How else will the younger generations be able to read the likes of well-preserved letters or documents, whether it’s within their families or at historically significant sites. They contain powerful, illuminating words that need to be cherished.
Of great value to me are the handwritten recipes passed down by my maternal grandmother. Her writing was a cross between calligraphy and cursive. Naturally, they look a little worse for wear, and I adapt those traditional recipes to suit my clean eating style, but essentially it’s these sorts of things that become a distant memory.
Not only does handwriting help with literacy, it’s an essential life skill.
4. Benefits the Giver & Recipient
Since handwriting is more meaningful, it can be quite touching for both the creator and the recipient. Whether it’s a few words or many, they show how much you care about someone, be it partners, family, friends, even colleagues or clients.
Not only that, handwritten words look more appealing.
Of course, with Christmas and the end of the year fast approaching, it’s a great time to send well-wishes on handwritten cards. Alternatively, write a personalised letter, even a good old-fashioned love letter, on eco-friendly, recyclable and tree-free stationery, telling the recipient what you love or appreciate about them.
If they’re going through a challenging time or are in need of a compliment, send them a personalised note to let them know you’re thinking of them.
It’s remarkable to think how a few kind, simple and thoughtful handwritten words, like “I love you”, “Thank you” or “Thinking of you”, can change the tone of someone’s day.
With that in mind, it’s about giving, not expecting something in return.
Charity card design by John Sands.
5. It’s Uplifting
Interestingly, regular and expressive handwritten correspondence has been shown to create more contentment and enhance gratitude.
Some years ago, Dr Steve Toepfer’s research at Kent State University showed that writing to another person they value can elevate the mood of the writer, including those who feel depressed. After each expressive thank you letter was written by students (post-Christmas), he noticed that they felt more fulfilment.
More recently, Deakin University, in collaboration with Officeworks, completed a comprehensive study to reveal how handwriting benefits our wellbeing. It showed that people are 2.5 times more likely to experience relief from anxiety, fear or worry than if the words are typed.
They also discovered that about 20 minutes of daily handwriting is more likely to provide you with a greater sense of satisfaction in life overall. Thank goodness for journalling.
With that in mind, and to create a more relaxing atmosphere, try writing by candlelight.
6. Surprise Factor
Speaking of the uplifting benefits, how does it make you feel when you open the letterbox to find a handwritten envelope? Firstly, there’s always that element of curiosity. After all, it’s a rarity, especially since we usually only receive bills (although most of those are now online along with the rest of our correspondence) or junk mail.
By far, the best part is opening the envelope to discover its handwritten contents, be it a letter or a card. Even a postcard, combined with an international stamp and an image of the location from where it was sent from, can give you a boost.
7. Meditative
What I particularly love about handwriting is that you literally get closer to your thoughts and the page. Even better, you become more present by capturing what’s in the moment.
It almost becomes a meditative-cum-therapeutic flow state, unlike sitting in front of a screen that can cause fatigue or eyestrain.
Even some well-known authors and screenwriters, like American director and screenwriter Quentin Tarantino, have been known to pen their masterpieces with a felt-tip pen or a pencil in a notebook. They appreciate how the slowness of writing by hand — being almost ritual — inspires more ideas and creativity.
8. Improves Memory & Brain Function
The other terrific thing about handwriting is that it improves your brain activity, memory and motor skills. Even cursive writing has been shown to help those with brain impairments and dyslexia.
In the case of kids, they can learn quicker by writing by hand, retain information more easily and are more capable of generating ideas. Basically, it helps them create better understanding.
Although handwriting might sound time-consuming, overall it reminds us of what’s important:
- to be in the moment
- to express ourselves freely
- to share and connect with others.
It also makes you a better writer.
How often do you handwrite?
Words & Images by Kristin Lee
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Dear Kristin….have written two cards & one letter today ♥
ps. thrilled to see that pic of my letter ♥♥
Always value your beautiful sentiments, Ona. That letter was so touching and memorable, especially since it was in honour of acquiring my first official and original artwork that was lovingly created by you. Wow, that was a long time ago. I have a handful of handwritten cards or letters from people and moments that I treasure.
Yes, keepsakes, mementoes & collectors items…love’em too ♥
Nothing like the ‘real’ written word , or hand made cards and tags ….some may call me old fashioned , but its a joy to behold when done with love.
So true, Karen. There are many lovely, emotive and authentic layers to handwriting. Thank you for sharing your almost ‘poetic-like’ words. Beautiful.