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In a world where most everything is digitized, and pens are reserved almost exclusively for signing your signature on a purchase form, the art form that is writing by hand has been in decline. And while it is difficult to dispute typed documents are superior to handwritten documents, especially in terms of legibility and transmission, there is one really good reason to rekindle this lost art: it puts your brain to work.

Writing by hand exercises your brain

A recent article posted in the Wall Street Journal suggested that writing by hand is an important skill for children in that it engages the brain in the composing off and the expressing of idea. Furthermore it develops fine-motor skills, which is of particular importance for children.

For those adults dismissing this idea, the article also has this interesting part: ‘Some physicians say handwriting could be a good cognitive exercise for baby boomers working to keep their minds sharp as they age.’ And when you consider how a sharpened mind at present fights off serious ailments such as Alzheimer’s and dementia later in life, the value of handwriting only pronounces itself more.

How to get back to writing by hand

Though personal blogs have been on the incline in recent years, most people still find keeping a diary or journal in which they write by hand is more intimate. While in that psychological association alone is another indicator for why handwriting is important, what we wan to point out is starting a journal is a good way to get back into the habit of writing by hand.

If not a journal, perhaps consider writing poetry or music, which feels far more fluid by hand then on computer, or you could do it in small increments by frequently sending small, handwritten thank you notes in your business.

Oh, and be sure to treat yourself to a fantastic pen, too. Not only will this making writing by hand a significantly more pleasant experience, it will also protect your hands from incurring unnecessary damage from long-term strain.

Tags: writing