The Power of the Pen: Why Handwriting Beats Typing

I am constantly asked: “Why not offer your journals in a purely digital format?” In our digital age, typing on computers and smartphones has become the norm for most writing. However, there is a reason why I’ve continued to promote physical versus purely digital versions along with our curriculum. Research shows putting pen to paper still holds immense cognitive and neurological advantages over tapping on a keyboard. Here's why handwriting deserves a renaissance:

Improved Memory and Learning
When you handwrite notes or lectures, the mere physical act of writing helps embed the information into your memory better than typing. Writing by hand engages more senses - the visual of seeing the words, the fine motor skills of forming letters, and thekinesthetic memory of writing movements. This multisensory association creates more neural pathways that reinforce the information.

One study found students who took handwritten notes outperformed those who typed on tests of conceptual understanding and retention. The very effort involved in writing enhances your ability to process and remember ideas. Typing notes electronically is too easy, promoting mindless transcription without true internalization.

Boosts Creativity and Idea Generation
Handwriting seems to open a neurological gateway that allows ideas to flow more freely. The sequential strokes of writing letters likely taps into the same brain regions involved in thought-processing. By naturally slowing down your output compared to typing, handwriting gives your mind more time to forge non-linear connections.

Multiple studies link the physical act of writing to increased creativity and better working memory on divergent thinking tests. Try handwriting for your next creative brainstorming session - the unleashed ideas may surprise you.

Reduces Cognitive Fatigue
Research also suggests handwriting places less cognitive demand on our brain's attentional resources compared to typing. The physical act of clicking keys and scrolling drains our mental energy more quickly. In contrast, handwriting seems to create less overload and feelings of tiredness.

Whether for note-taking, journaling or ideation, handwriting allows us to maintain focus for longer periods of time. So the next time you hit a mental block, try putting down the laptop and picking up a pen and paper instead.

So while typing has its place in our lives, handwriting provides unmatched neural benefits that enhance memory, idea generation and sustained cognitive stamina. Make handwriting a part of your daily routine and experience its cognitive advantages for yourself.