Why should you write by hand?
Writing by hand helps to structure the chaos of the mind.
With screens and monitors dominating everyday life, handwriting can feel alien and cumbersome. In my work as a creative and nurturing writing facilitator and literary therapist, I have found that many people's hands get tired after just ten minutes of writing.
However, it pays to write by hand. It's not just about nostalgia and a return to the good old days. Writing by hand activates the body and brain, leaves a stronger memory and is more directly connected to emotions.
Whether you're at a turning point in your life, looking for a deeper connection with yourself or simply need a break from the digital hustle and bustle, put your devices aside for a moment and let the pen do the talking!
In this blog post, I'll tell you about the joys and benefits of writing by hand.
Handwriting improves memory and supports learning
Handwriting is not just about words on paper, but about the interconnection between brain and body that supports learning and improves memory.
Studies have foundthat handwriting activates brain areas responsible for thinking, language and working memory more than tapping on a laptop.
When we write by hand, we have to slow down and our brains have to process the text and make more active choices than when typing.
Slowing down has therapeutic benefits
Writer and writing teacher Natalie Goldberg emphasizes the therapeutic nature of handwriting in her books and teaching. She believes that when we hold a pen in our hands and move it around on paper, we become more connected to our thoughts and feelings than when we type.
The slower pace of handwriting allows us to access parts of our unconscious mind that, when typing rapidly on a typewriter, get lost in the rush and other distractions. Handwriting therefore provides a safe space to process emotions, express grief and articulate complex feelings.
Brain researcher Minna Huotilainen also sees links between handwriting and emotions.
"A handwritten text also shows emotion. If someone has surprised you, you make a big exclamation mark. Or if something is lovely, you draw a heart. Texts with emotions are also more memorable when you're writing them."
Natalie Goldberg's thinking echoes studies that emphasise that handwriting can be meditative at its best. It invites you to stop, breathe and be present in the moment. It is a gentle form of conscious thought that nourishes the mind and helps ground you in difficult times.
Finding your creativity and your voice
When we write by hand - and especially when we write free-flowing - our thoughts flow differently than when we type. This is partly because writing by hand is an embodied experience and activates our senses and emotions in a way that typing does not.
Writing by hand helps to unlock the locks of creativity, because it allows us to connect with our inner voice and forget for a moment all the spelling rules and other conventions of "artful" writing. Best of all, when writing by hand, you don't have to worry about the auto-correct function of a word processor or other distractions associated with digital writing.
Writing by hand slows down the creative process just enough to allow new ideas to emerge, but not so much as to stop the momentum completely. This is particularly useful in situations where we want to pause for a moment, to get to know ourselves again or to find a way out of a difficult situation.
Connection with the self and inner power
For many of us, writing by hand helps us to connect with our truest selves. It is a way of facing the parts of ourselves that often get lost behind responsibilities, obligations and the multiple roles in life.
Natalie Goldberg often talks about writing as a spiritual practice - a way of listening deeply to ourselves and understanding different aspects of our inner world. This is particularly important at times of pain and turning points in life, where writing by hand can at its best become a way of practising self-compassion and finding connection with one's inner power and voice.
So where does the feeling of empowerment come from? According to some views writing by hand can increase a sense of personal control and empowerment, because when we write by hand we are literally creating something new from nothing. This can be incredibly empowering, reminding us that even in uncertain times we have the power to shape our own stories and even rewrite them from scratch.
Make handwriting a daily ritual
Making handwriting part of your daily routine does not require a huge investment. Writer and writing teacher Julia Cameron's morning pages is a familiar method for many, not to mention a diary. The key is consistency and commitment. Decide to make writing by hand part of your daily life: take a few minutes every day to step away from all the screens and dedicate a moment to yourself.
I write nowadays morning dreams: quick finger exercises inspired by a momentary observation, something I've heard or read, or perhaps an inspiring writing exercise I've come across in my work.
A writing session can be taken in its own time - as an opportunity to slow down, breathe and get your thoughts down on paper. The aim is not to create high literature, but something real and authentic that nurtures the mind and increases well-being.
How to get started
Get ready. Get your favourite writing equipment and find a quiet place where you can relax and feel inspired. Settle in and then let the pen lead the way.
Start small. Don't aim for long texts or complete sentences. Start small: list things you're grateful for, write a short poem, or let your thoughts flow onto paper in a free stream of consciousness.
Forget about performing. Approach writing as a form of self-care, where no one forces you to do anything and the outcome is not judged.
Take advantage of writing exercises. If you don't know what to write about, try different writing exercises. You can find them in books, online and in the weekly newsletter, which you can subscribe to below.