The benefits of handwriting over typing

Handwriting, the cursive script, once so much valued for its elegance and character, seems to be rapidly vanishing from the modern world. Touchscreens and keyboards have all but relegated the practice of penmanship to the history books. Are we at risk of losing something though, and have we been too quick to replace the fountain pen with modern input devices? The following list may suggest to you of some of the benefits handwriting confers, and hopefully convince you to pick up the pen, and revive your handwriting skills.

Handwriting leads to improved understanding and conceptualising of difficult topics

Studies have shown that the process of handwriting actually aids the learning process. Because writing by hand is necessarily a slower process than typing or dictating, the brain is forced to process the information in a deeper way, to linger over the concepts, and make new connections that might elude the typist. Dr Karin James, associate Professor of the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Indiana, has used fMRI scans to analyse and compare the brains of children writing by hand and typing. The the results showed that, of those children handwriting, blood flow in areas of the brain associated with working memory, language, and reading, increased and matched those of an adult. There was no concomitant increase in blood flow for those children who were typing.

Handwriting increases creativity

Many notable authors are known for preferring to compose their work - the first drafts at least - with pen and paper. Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and Virginia Woolf have all stated they favour using a pen to get their initial ideas down. Many writers claim that writing by hand slows down their thinking processes, forcing them to be more considerate and nuanced with their composition.
Another great benefit of writing by hand is that there is less chance of you becoming distracted. If you are using a word processor the internet and all its enticements is just a mouse click away. A pen and paper doesn`t present so many risks, just try not to doodle away at the bottom of the page!

Handwriting improves concentration

Handwriting is thought to be especially beneficial to students with ADD or AD/HD, because it forces the mind to slow down, and focus on one particular topic. It is thought that handwriting demands more concentration and fine motor skills than typing - one can imagine the dexterity and focus needed to trace the fine nib across the page - and it is this concentration that helps centre the mind on what it being written.

Handwriting improves hand-eye coordination

Because handwriting is so intricate an activity, with each letter and their cursive connections being different, you will find your hand-eye coordination improving. In day to day life it would be hard to think of a task more intricate and precise than composing well written script with a pen. Of course there is such a thing as bad handwriting, but this should be avoided wherever possible!

Handwriting is an expression of your personality

Everyone`s handwriting is unique, a facet of your personality. If you deny yourself the opportunity to write you will be withholding a part of yourself. It may take a little time for you to find your own style, to feel at ease with the pen, and for your natural style to make its expression. Once it does though however you will be able to embrace a whole new form of self expression. Other people will really value the chance to enjoy your work - for who would choose a printed letter from a friend over a handwritten one? There is something so impersonal about the generic, angular font of emails and documents; a handwritten page is so much more elegant and beautiful.