5 REASONS WRITING IS GOOD FOR US

1 BOOSTS BRAIN POWER

Studies show taking notes with a pen rather than a laptop leads to better recollection, because we tend to rephrase information for our own understanding as we go, rather than simply typing out what we’ve heard, allowing more time for the information to sink in.

2 PUTS TECH ON PAUSE

The average Brit checks their phone 28 times a day, and more than 10,000 times a year; going screen-free to pen a handwritten note provides a much-needed break from the 24/7 whirlwind of tech. While writing, you’ll concentrate entirely on the task in front of you, focusing on the present moment.

3 ENHANCES CREATIVITY

More labour-intensive than using a computer, writing forces us to slow down and connect the mind with the hand, one word at a time. By doing this, we have more time to think, and to let our thoughts run away with us, allowing new ideas to spark. 4 HELPS PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING Therapeutic letters are used by counsellors for working through memories and emotions, providing an opportunity to take a step back, analyse and come to terms with our innermost feelings.

5 IMPROVES SLEEP

Research has found that people who wrote down a list of things they were grateful for before going to bed experienced a longer and better quality night’s rest.