Handwriting vs. Typing: Which is best for journaling?

Both handwriting and typing have their pros and cons. In that respect, it’s not possible to put a “winner” stamp on either one. However, it’s important to acknowledge the benefits of both. Typing is slowly taking over the traditional pen and notebook drill, even though there are several crucial reasons why one should dedicate some time to put their thoughts on paper in an old-fashioned way.

Handwriting

Fundamentally, handwriting affects four significant aspects of brain processing: learning, critical thinking, creativity, and memory. One can learn more by writing as the act itself exercises the visual concept, motor skills and the cognitive capacity at the same time. As you write by hand, the brain activity increases, which leads to better problem-solving ability. It will also stimulate your creativity and emotional capacity as you reinforce your memory and keep your mind sharp. It is why writing in a journal is so beneficial!

• Improves learning: it is the most effective way to retain information or study
• Makes you a better writer: it allows you to think more, cross out, go back to your notes and reflect on them
• Helps you avoid distractions: although new technologies allow “multitasking,” handwriting means better concentration
• Keeps the brain active: handwriting benefits the aging process because it involves your motor and memory skills

The apparent cons, however, when writing is concerned, is the fact that it takes a lot more time (and energy) compared to typing, and it’s more challenging to distribute the written text in its paper form. (And, we’ve all have been inconvenienced by a pen that runs out of ink mid-sentence!)

Typing

It’s already apparent that handwriting should be an essential part of our everyday life, keeping a digital journal sure has its benefits as well.

For starters, handwriting for more extended periods of time can cause a hand spasm and eventually become unpleasant and painful. One may argue that typing can be painful as well as you sit in front of a screen for extended periods of time, but it’s quick, easy to edit and more accessible to follow (content-wise). Unlike flipping through numerous pages to track your previous) thoughts, you scroll up and down for the latest information. Moreover, typing allows you to format your text quickly and efficiently, whichever way you see fit. It leads to a more beautiful design, enabling everyone to give your article a read (if that’s what you are after). Still, typing in your digital journal lacks creativity and doesn’t boost the learning process or trigger the mental satisfaction as handwriting does.

Final Thoughts

So, do we have a final say on which type of journaling wins? Both systems seem to have their advantages and disadvantages, and since we have both available, it’s up to us to choose the best version. After all, there’s no reason to give up the artistic and creative or renounce the technological altogether, right? Let’s call coexistence into play and enjoy both.

Personally, I use JRNL to record my daily activities so that I can look back at everything I’ve done and remember it all. But I also use my Moleskine notebook and pen when I need to organize my thoughts about my business. It helps me clarify what I’m thinking, and understand my next priorities.

Keeping a journal is the most potent habit you can acquire. If you do it right, there isn’t a single area of your life that won’t get better. Why? Because by writing things as they are in your life, processing them and putting them into perspective, you get motivated to become the lead actor of your life and change the circumstance for the better. Whether you choose to type, handwrite, or a combination of both, you will reap the benefits of keeping a journal.