Handwriting - Definition | Styles | Benefits Of Writing By Hand vs. Typing

 

These days the need to write by hand has reduced to a great extent compared to the past. Instead, you type a letter on your computer or send an email or text.

But at times, you do need writing.

The use of technology in your life and education system is increasing day by day. You use it to get all your work done, like taking notes, sending emails or messages, etc. But, because one thing is new and helpful, it does not mean previous methods no longer exist or are less beneficial.

According to scientific studies writing by hand has brain-friendly benefits that cannot be ignored! It allows your brain to focus on the written words, understand them, and learn from them. There are plenty of reasons to get back to writing by hand.

This post covers:

• Definition of handwriting
• Style of handwriting
• Significant benefits of writing by hand that will relax your brain and you will work smartly

 

Definition of Handwriting

Handwriting is your style of penmanship and is done using a writing instrument such as a pen or pencil in hand.

Handwriting is not a fixed trait. It changes as you grow up, and each individual develops their unique style of writing.

 

Most Common Handwriting Styles

There are two types of handwriting styles:

• Print
• Cursive

 

Print Writing

 

 

Print writing, also known as manuscript or print script, makes use of simple block letters. In this, the letters of a word are not connected.

Generally, children are often first taught to write in block letters, and later they move onto cursive (joined up) writing style.

 

Cursive Writing

 

 

The words are written in a flowing manner, in which all or most of the consecutive letters are connected.

Though the letters in the cursive style of writing are connected, casual cursive is a combination of print and cursive styles of handwriting. Writing in this way makes the writing process faster.

 

Top 5 Benefits of Writing by Hand

 

 

Benefit #1: Relieves Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

Writing by hand:

• It calms down your brain
• Enhances the sense of well being
• Reduces stress
• Improves mood
• Improves your concentration and attention
• It keeps your brain away from distractions

Writing a motivational sentence at least 20 times a day in cursive is rhythmic and positively affects your brain.

This technique calms down the variable thoughts in your mind and benefits those with attention deficit disorder.

Writing about your life goals shows a considerable increase in personal well-being. Research shows that if you maintain a gratitude journal, you feel happy, and it has a positive effect on your health. It makes good aspects of your life more prominent.

 

Benefit #2: Increased Learning Capacity

It is a lot easier to type on a laptop. However, scientific research shows taking notes by hand is the most efficient way to study and remember new information. Also, taking notes by hand helps you to have a better understanding of the lesson.

Children who take notes on the computer can type more information, but their brains retain less data than those who take notes by hand.

 

Benefit #3: Slows Down Mental Ageing

Writing helps you remember more information. Hence it is a great tool to help you retain more information as you age.

Activities done by hand like writing, drawing shapes, and coloring play an essential role in keeping your mind sharp and improves hand-eye coordination and are beneficial for people of all age groups.

 

Benefit #4: Increases Creativity and Deep Thinking

Make writing your regular habit to increase your creativity and to keep your brain sharp.

When you write, more parts of your brain get involved.

Also, each person has a unique handwriting style. It gives you your unique identity as an artist.

Whether you maintain a notebook with you at all times or a diary before you go to sleep, jotting down notes can help spark your creativity,

You can also note down ideas that help you visualize new possibilities.

• Begin with a single word in the center
• Then plan out the connection with that word
• Use single words and colored pens to keep the ideas clear

By following this technique, you get a new kind of approach to your ideas.

 

Benefit #5: It Keeps you Organized

Maintaining a manual to-do list is more effective than typing on mobile or computer. It is also easier to edit, irrespective of the place where you are present.

Also, it is difficult to see an item remain uncrossed on a handwritten to-do list, especially when you cross off other items around it.

Also, when you write your feelings onto paper, it improves your mood. It gives you a sense of well-being as when you flush out the burden in your mind in the form of writing, you feel lighter.

 

Final Words

Thus the benefits of writing by hand go far beyond the classroom. Writing by hand can improve your concentration levels, release stress, make you a better performer, improve sleep, help physical healing, and give you a sense of well-being.

 

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