A huge amount of scientific research has proven that handwriting is exceptionally beneficial for our brain, memory, learning and our overall wellbeing. Here are some of the major key findings:
1. Activates the Brain
Dr. Karin James, associate professor at the Department of Psychology and Brain Sciences at Indiana University, has been using functional magnetic resonance imaging for investigating the brain mechanisms involved in different types of learning in both children and adults. She has written many reports but the one to point your attention here is "An analysis of the brain systems involved with producing letters by hand". Published in 2019, it concludes that when handwriting, we activate our brain and especially areas that are associated with reading, working memory and language. When these areas are activated together, this increases learning. You can read more about Dr. James' work here.
2. Makes You a Better Writer
Dr. Virginia Berninger, educational psychologist at the University of Washington, discovered through her research that students write better (and more) when writing by hand as opposed to typing. "There is a myth that in the era of computers we don't need handwriting. That's not what our research is showing", says the scientist in a newspaper interview and continues to add “What we found was that children until about grade six were writing more words, writing faster and expressing more ideas if they could use handwriting, than if they used the keyboard.”
3. Deeper Learning and Better Memory
In a study students who wrote notes by hand had better test scores even though their notes had fewer words in them. This suggests that learning has happened on a deeper level - they had to process the information to pick up the bits that were worth recording and then write them down in a coherent sentence. This eliminates distraction as well (an added bonus).
4. Increased Creativity
Many famous writers have shared that they prefer writing their manuscripts by hand. The process of writing by hand induces a meditative state and calms the mind. This allows ideas to flow more freely. It forces the writer to slow down so the brain has time to process tangled thoughts and form ideas more carefully.
5. Express Your Individuality
Your individuality shines in your handwriting. No one else in the world can write like you, no one else shapes letters like you!
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The benefits of handwriting are enormous. If your interest was sparked, you could check this infographic which suggests 20 different benefits.
And you may also like to read about 18 incredible Journaling Benefits
