Why putting pen to paper is good for our health

For centuries now, the act of writing has been seen as a form of therapy. Putting your experiences into words can be cathartic, helping to reduce anxiety and stress. Writing things down is widely known to safely unlock inner dialogue, allowing us to reflect on issues that may be bothering us.

Of course, in today’s tech-savvy digital world, the physical practice of putting pen to paper has been superseded by the keyboard and word processor. No matter which way we choose to translate our thoughts into words, there are emotional and psychological benefits to be had. Journaling, the practice of writing down your thoughts and emotions in a dairy, is known to be of great benefit for mental health. But, has the act of pushing keys on a keyboard taken away some of the well being that handwriting had to offer?

According to research, writing by hand engages memory, enables concentration and clarifies our thoughts. Using a pen is also thought to increase visual motor skills, making you more adept at using your hands in other situations. Psychological research also shows that the areas of our brain associated with recall and understanding are better engaged when notes are written with a pen and paper.

Text typed on a computer screen is just a series of words, nothing more. Handwriting however, can say something about us a person that a keyboard can’t. Handwriting is an intimate and accurate reflection of who we are. Think about the last time you received a hand written letter in the post. You probably instantly knew who it was from, just with a cursory glance at the handwriting style! Much like a person’s voice, or their fingerprints, everyone’s handwriting is different. Someone’s writing style can also reflect their personality or current mood. In the 19th Century, Doctors began looking for signs of deviance among delinquents simply by examining their handwriting.

Recent studies suggest what one in three people do not put pen to paper more than once a month. Even then, it might just be a scribbled shopping list, or a short remark in a child’s homework book. ‘Cursive’ handwriting, the art of joined-up lettering, has even been dropped from the curriculum at some schools in the USA.

Sceptics may argue as to why we should bother picking up a pen, especially when most people can type faster than they can write. Well, Neuroscientists tell us that giving up handwriting will adversely affect future generations. They believe that pre-school children who draw each letter by hand are able to recognise each character better than if they had only ever typed them. It’s a technique also used help stroke victims to reassert their cognitive skills.

In a world of superficial texting and sterile emails, it’s easy to forget the healing power of the pen. So, why not grab that trusty ball-point and treat yourself to some relaxing therapy.