Why hand-writing is better than typing
Handwriting. How old fashioned.
You are probably a very efficient typer by now, like most people. However, typing and hand-writing have very different implications for your brain.
Curious?
Here 2 excellent reasons why handwriting is better that typing.
Cognitive work-out
Many of us take notes on various occasions. Think about classes, training or meetings. When you type your notes onto your laptop, you are certainly faster, therefore it is likely that you are writing almost word-by-word the key points you want to remember. Nothing wrong with that. However, when you perform the same task manually, you are probably re-wording and summarising your notes instead of recording them precisely, to be more time-efficient. This means that while you listen and write down, you are also processing, reflecting and interpreting the information too. This is a major set of activities which engages the cognitive functions of your brain. The results are:
You are technically doing a brain workout, which keeps your mind sharp and efficient.
You take much more qualitative notes.
You are more likely to memorise your notes.
Hand-writing as a craft
As hand-writing is a much more manual task, it can actually be considered a craft at all effects. Crafts are proven to significantly support good mental health, in fact science shows they have even therapeutic effects. They induce relaxation, inspire a connection to tradition, relieve from stress, provide a sense of accomplishment, as well as boosting cognitive abilities. It is no surprise that journaling is still considered a highly effective form of self-reflection for mental wellbeing support.