Why You Should Write By Hand

For all those who know, I am a writer. I’m also constantly on the lookout for new ways to write and get things done--which brings me to the question: why should I write by hand?

At first glance, writing everything digitally is so much easier. I get what I want done faster and feel more productive.

However, there are some benefits of writing by hand. In this post, I’ll be addressing why you should write by hand and the benefits of writing anything by hand, whether it be shopping lists, letters, stories, and more.

Without further ado, let’s jump in!

1. You get a break from screens.

In this day and age, it’s so easy to type up emails, lists, journal entries--anything on your phone. However, we all know that screen time is harmful to your health. Especially on those late nights typing up that last email--it can be daunting and in the end, your eyes might hurt.

Making it clear--excessive screen time is a danger to your health. I’m sure we’ve all experienced it before--those times when we just can’t stop clicking. Can’t stop looking. Whether you realize it or not, it drains your mental energy and you find yourself with little more than hurting eyes, or some other symptom.

Now, if you write by hand, you’re still getting the work done--but you’re doing it manually and you’re not staring at a screen for long periods of time.

2. It helps improve your penmanship and coordination.

Imagine if you aren’t able to even write properly. Unfortunately, nowadays, so many people have messy handwriting and write sloppily because we’re all so used to typing things up onto the computer.

If you’re writing at the computer, the website forms the words for you. You don’t have the chance to form each letter neatly and coordinate your fingers and pen to write the letters. They just do.

As convenient as it may be, if you have a little time on your hands, try writing by hand and try to control the pen to see the ink flow. There’s something so satisfying about shaping every little curve and writing your own letters--instead of letting a computer do it for you.

3. Eliminates digital distractions.

This is probably the biggest benefit, at least in my opinion. When you turn on a screen, most often then not there are tons of things shouting for your attention. Facebook notifications, new Instagram posts, emails, video suggestions and more. When you choose to write your list or letter down on paper, you’re eliminating many of the distractions that digital devices come with.

Think about it; when you’re writing a letter on paper, you’re not constantly being pestered by notifications or the latest emails that pop up in your inbox. When you’re writing a list down on paper--whether it be for shopping, writing, or to-do, you’re not going to get your eyes caught on a new movie or latest Facebook post.

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Now, I do want to acknowledge that there are some times where writing digitally is faster and more productive. However, whenever you have a chance to write by hand, give it a try and let me know how it went for you!

What are your thoughts on writing by hand? How often do you write by hand? I’d love to hear from you!