Handwriting is good for your brain

With the advancement of technology, the art of handwriting is getting pushed to the side more and more. It is not as fundamental in communicating ideas as it once was. Now, people can simply get on a computer and quickly type up a sheet of information in less time than it would have taken to write it by hand. However, physically writing out words and letters is beneficial to the human brain and personal relationships for several reasons.

Studies have shown that the act of recording information by hand can actually help with cognitive function and memory. A study published in the journal Trends in Neuroscience and Education found that when children wrote out letters they were able to perceive the letters better, which helped them read at better rates as well. The ability to properly wield a pencil can also help kids with fine motor skills and repeatedly writing out words can improve spelling.

Writing for adults
Adults can benefit from practicing handwriting, as well. The skill is particularly useful when learning a new language, especially if it is graphically different, like Mandarin. The act of repeatedly writing out each character can help a person retain the memory of the word shape and its meaning, The Wall Street Journal reported.

Taking the time to physically write out words and create sentences also allows a person to slow down and really contemplate the message he or she wants to convey. The ability to express oneself through the written word can also be really therapeutic. Not only can a person take the time to clearly communicate what needs to be said, but handwriting can also help improve muscle movement and strength.

A good example of this was reported in The Guardian about a woman named Pauline Littlewood. Littlewood developed problems, which included the inability to use her right hand and arm. To overcome this obstacle, she began writing pages of the alphabet in cursive, progressing on to words and finally, creating sentences. Littlewood rediscovered the use of her hand through writing and was also able to effectively communicate with those around her.

The other benefits of writing
Along with improving cognitive function and enhancing motor skills, handwriting can help a person convey impactful messages to loved ones. People love to receive greeting cards in the mail because they take extra effort and show how much a person cares. Yes, there are easier ways to communicate these days, but nothing conveys gratitude or excitement like handwritten thank you cards or letters.

To keep handwriting skills sharp, recruit a friend or family member to be a pen pal or start a daily journal. There are so many opportunities to utilize handwriting each day, and they are all beneficial to a person’s health and connections.