In our current modern world, society has become increasingly dependent on technology to make our lives easier and more convenient throughout our day. From cellphones, laptops, to tablets and more, technology is all around us and seems to fulfil even the smallest of tasks that once required manual work. One of which being handwriting. And while there is nothing wrong with typing on a computer for work, school, or leisure, people often forget the significance and importance of practicing handwriting.

 

Therefore, today, we are going to be talking about why society should continue the tradition of handwriting with a writing instrument as opposed to using technology 100% of the time to get the job done. Let’s get right into it!

The Benefits Handwriting and the Brain

 

While it may be difficult to convince you to use a writing instrument rather than technology by simply saying so, there have been many scientific studies conducted that confirm that handwriting has numerous benefits on the brain.

 

1.      Writing Helps Maintain Grey Matter in Your Brain

 

For those of you who are unaware, grey matter of the brain is directly responsible for our memory, our ability to recognize and speak different languages, and how we think. Studies have shown that when people manually write things out, these hand movements we create while doing so, activates the grey matter in our brain and keeps us sharp –which is especially important when we begin to grow older.

 

2.      Handwriting Improves Creativity 

 

There is no denying that our current state of reality is consumed by this “go-go-go” mentality, with instant gratification that often leaves us in search of the next activity to complete. This can often leave us so busy and wrapped up in our own worlds that we forget to take a set back and enjoy the moment. Therefore, another valuable benefit of handwriting with a writing instrument rather than on a computer is that it allows us to slow down and focus on the present. By mindfully writing, we are able to allow our brain to rest and enhance creativity.

 

3.      Writing Increases Neural Activity Similar to Being in a Meditative State

 

Lastly on our list of benefits handwriting has on the brain, is the ability for this action to increase the neural activity in parts of our brains that are very similar to meditation. The simple act of writing with your hand as opposed to typing on a computer again, allows you to slow down and relax in a mediative-like state that is otherwise difficult to achieve otherwise.

 

 

Preserving a Traditional Skill

 

Regardless of the benefits manual writing has on brain function as opposed to typing on a computer, handwriting with a writing instrument is a skill that has been practiced and persevered for thousands of years. Therefore, it is important that we continue to teach our children how to handwrite and encourage them to do so as much as possible in order to maintain this wonderful practice of elegance and self-expression.

Famous Writers Who Prefer Writing by Hand Rather than Typing

 

If we haven’t convinced you up until now, you may be surprised to know that some of today’s most famous writers and creators prefer to write by hand as opposed to typing on a computer.

 

1.      George Clooney

 

Who doesn’t love George Clooney? Not only is he an incredible actor, writer, and director, but he also enjoys using traditional writing methods to help him produce his work instead of using technology!

 

2.      Quentin Tarantino

 

Known for his famous cult classic movies, Quentin Tarantino has mentioned in interviews that he prefers to write his screenplays by hand. In fact, he has also mentioned that every time he seeks to write new screenplays, he will go to the store and buy a new notebook and pens –almost like a creative ritual.

 

3.      Steven King

 

And of course we can’t forget about famous horror writer Steven King. Similar to Clooney and Tarantino, Steven King prefers to write his books by hand rather than type. He indicates that by doing so, it encourages him to write with purpose and carefully plan each sentence before writing it down, thus making it more meaningful to the store in its entirety.

 

How to Incorporate Handwriting into Your

 

Now that we know why handwriting is better than typing, if you are still stuck on how, you can incorporate manual writing into your daily routine, here are some activities that can help you do so:

 

·         Keep a journal of your day to practice mindfulness and reduce stress

·         Tap into your inner creativity and try writing your own story, song, or poem

·         Set aside time to practice cursive writing each week

·         Write letters to your friends or family you haven’t spoken to in a while

·         Make sure your kids understand the importance of handwriting and practice along with them

Why We Should Keep Handwriting Integrated into Our Children’s Lives

 

We can’t deny it, technology is cool, convenient, and efficient. However, if there is one thing that technology cannot provide you, that is offered through the art of handwriting, is an experience of authenticity that is shared across all cultures. When you think about it, handwriting has been a part of every moment in history that has changed the course of the future as we know it.

 

From drafting the first maps of the earth, the teachings of Plato, the compositions of Mozart and Beethoven, to Einstein’s formulas and scientific discovery, handwriting is the method that brought concepts to life. Handwriting is personal and holds meaning that is unique to all of us.

 

Beyond this, handwriting has been proven to aid young children who are learning to read as actively creating the formation of the letters themselves creates a deeper understanding. Additionally, teaching your children cursive also aids in activating different parts of their brain that are used with higher levels of reasoning and brain development. Which is why we must continue to keep the art of handwriting alive in our culture.

 

Final Thoughts

 

As you can see, there is so much more to handwriting with a writing instrument than you may have known and appreciated beforehand! While there are many reasons why handwriting is important, it’s good to remember why it is significant to you personally! Once you’ve figured this out, you can then begin to keep the tradition alive in your own life and the lives of the generations that come after you.

 

 

To help you get started, and if you are looking for high-quality ink pens, whether ballpoint or rollerball, make sure to check out our main page to find a wide variety of handmade pens right here in the United States. To learn more about pens and penmanship, make sure to follow our blog for more exciting topics and facts!