I’ve always been team pen and paper. As a creative with an ADHD brain, I know that feeling of mental scatter. Forgotten dates. Misread notes. Instructions gone rogue. Lost items in strange places. My head can feel like a browser with too many tabs open.
But over the years, I’ve found ways to work with my brain, not against it. One of the biggest game-changers? Writing things down. Lists, plans, scribbles and the process of getting my thoughts laid out on real paper brings an instant sense of order. The act of writing focuses my attention. Let me type a note into my phone, and it vanishes from my mind within days. Let me write it by hand, and it sticks.
There’s something deeply mindful about pen meeting paper. No flickering notifications, no blue light distractions. Just you, the page, and your thoughts slowing to match the rhythm of your hand. So why not share this information with more people, and spread the word of the pen and paper amongst a world that is so drawn to digital that sometimes we forget, that the best way isn’t always the fast way.
Something I have been asked by the digital people, Do a lot of people still use pen and paper? Well, yes, a lot of people, and for a great ready. So let’s take a brief look at the ‘why’ first and unravel the benefits after.
Why do people still use pen and paper?
In one sentence - Because it's human. Handwriting is a tactile, visceral act. Our fingers, pens, and paper create a sensory connection that typing simply can’t replicate. It’s personal and memorable, grounding us in the present moment. While digital tools compete for our unconscious taps, scrolls and clicks, pen and paper offer quiet focus without any overwhelm. That mindful moment of writing allows information to embed itself more deeply in our minds.
Is handwriting good for the brain?
Yes. Writing by hand activates a wide network across the brain: motor areas, visual processing, sensory input, and memory centres all light up. According to Psychology Today, this enhanced connectivity can improve emotional processing and even delay cognitive decline. Each letter you form is not just communication; it's a mini workout for your brain.
Is pen and paper better than typing?
For learning and memory? Absolutely. When we write by hand, we're forced to process information more deeply. You summarise, you rephrase, you engage. Typing can slip into autopilot, much like scrolling on your phone. Handwriting makes you slow down and think, which leads to better retention and understanding. It's not just muscle memory; it's cognitive encoding.
What are the advantages of writing?
- Improved memory and learning: Handwritten notes stay with you longer.
- Boosted cognition: Visual-motor coordination and brain processing improve with practice.
- Emotional clarity: Writing can be therapeutic, offering a calm space for expression.
- Identity: Your handwriting is uniquely yours. The loops, slants, and flourishes reveal personality. Fun note - When I was younger, I experimented with my handwriting style like it was a fashion accessory. Circles above my ‘i’s. Dramatic tails on my ‘y’s. I even copied the way the ‘cool girls’ wrote. It was self-expression in ink.
Is it better to journal with pen and paper?
100% yes. Especially for reflective journaling. The physical act of writing slows your mind, helps unpack emotions, and reduces stress. Psychology Today highlights how handwriting boosts metacognitive insight. the awareness of your own thinking. It's mindfulness disguised as stationery.
Does writing on paper improve memory?
Absolutely. Studies repeatedly show that handwritten notes lead to better recall and exam performance. The act of forming letters, organising your thoughts, and physically engaging with the material strengthens memory encoding. It's learning, embodied.
Why is paper important for learning?
- Neural foundation: Forming letters by hand helps develop reading and literacy skills in early learners.
- Deep engagement: Handwritten notes encourage summarising and critical thinking.
- Ownership and voice: Paper offers space for creativity, imperfections, and personality. something sterile digital documents can’t replicate.
In a world obsessed with the hustle, fast paced living and ease, pen and paper is a great invitation for us all to slow down.
To feel the texture of the page beneath our hands. To watch our minds unwravel through the ink or lead onto paper. The connection of using your memory, and mind to control your hands and connect with writing tools is
How can you add more writing into your day?
There's a few ways that are naturally good for exploring pen and paper in daily habits. We recommend that you try journalling in a real like paper journal, this practise has so many benefits and you can explore journaling in many different ways. We've written a blog all about it so we recommend you read our blog on how to journal here.
Explore our notebooks and start journaling today here.