The advantages of writing with pen and paper over typing on a PC or phone

Yes, typing is faster than writing with pen and paper. Yes, it is harder to fix a typo on paper than on a laptop or phone. No, you cannot easily search your written text with a shortcut combination of keys. But there are a number of important advantages to writing with pen and paper. We are happy to explain them to you.

The benefits of writing supported by studies

To get straight to the point, we'll throw a few studies at you that deal with this topic. These studies show the benefits of writing by hand:

1. Taking notes with pen and paper improves your long-term retention of conceptual information. The Princeton University study shows that taking notes with pen and paper is better for long-term retention of conceptual information than taking notes on a laptop. This is especially true for complex subjects.

2. Handwriting increases brain activity. Handwriting activates more complex brain connections than typing, according to this study from the University of Tokyo. It involves movement, vision, sensory processing, and memory, which contributes to cognitive enrichment. Tough words? Read more about it under 'creativity and problem solving'.

In short, if you want to remember and understand information, writing with pen and paper can be a valuable approach!

Creativity and problem solving skills

Writing with pen and paper can boost creativity and problem-solving skills. Research shows that physically capturing words by hand activates the brain differently than typing. This process can lead to more innovative ideas and deeper thinking processes. Handwriting encourages a more reflective way of thinking, which can result in more thoughtful and creative solutions. This video explains more about this.

Less distraction

Super topical and important advantage: writing with pen and paper reduces the chance of distraction. You probably know it: you picked up your phone to check the weather and before you know it you have answered 6 messages, you have been on Instagram and you have placed an order at Zara. And in the meantime you still haven't checked the weather.. Digital devices such as PCs and phones offer countless distractions, from notifications to the temptation to surf to social media. By opting for pen and paper you help yourself to focus better on tasks.

Emotional benefits

The process of writing by hand can also have emotional benefits. Many people find it calming and stress-relieving to put thoughts and ideas down on paper by hand. This can contribute to better mental well-being and provide a sense of fulfillment that typing often does not provide. An example of this is journaling or writing in a (gratitude) diary. You can read more about this here.

Conclusion

While typing on a PC or phone is certainly fast and efficient, writing with pen and paper offers unique benefits that should not be overlooked. It promotes creativity, improves memory and comprehension, and reduces distractions. And let's not forget the emotional benefits! For anyone looking for deeper understanding and more focus, going back to the traditional pen and paper can be a valuable choice. And, how nice, you don't have to look far for this. We have a webshop full of beautiful pens and notebooks ;-)!