The Therapeutic Power of Handwriting: Tips for Starting a Journalling Practice
There’s something about handwriting that I find deeply comforting.
Was it the early handwriting lessons with a pencil where you were permitted to use the teacher’s special desk pencil sharpener ... the one with the rotating handle. (Oh! the thrill)
Or was it in junior school where you got to do proper fancy handwriting with a fountain pen, and use special pink blotting paper to dab up the spills on your page when the pen exploded?
I’m not sure, but I do know that I find writing therapeutic even today.
Numerous studies are proving the benefits of writing by hand. The multi-sensory experience of holding a pen and writing on paper engages different parts of the brain compared to typing.
Thought processes slow, and thinking becomes more focused and intentional.
That connection from brain to hand to pen to paper has surprised me on many occasions when memories, reflections, and ideas have spilled out onto the page, when no conscious thought placed them there.
Journalling then, is the simple act of putting pen to paper and writing down your thoughts.
However, there are times when this ‘simple act’ can cause brain freeze. Where you pick up the pen, open the page, and ... nothing... not a thought in your head.
The kind of “no thought’ you imagine monks experience when holed up in a cave for a month, the blank space that is never available to you when you try to meditate.
But somehow as if by magic you pick up the pen ready to commit thoughts to page and .... Poofhh ... Gone!
On these occasions I will dive into my list of journal prompts to see what feels good, or resonates or sparks a thought... and then I’m away.
Here are my Top 5 Tips for adopting a journalling practice
Like yoga or meditation, journalling is a practice. It isn’t something you need to master or perfect it can be messy, unfiltered, filled with spelling mistakes, and bad grammar.
Nobody is coming along with a red biro to mark your work, and there’s no autocorrect to tell you you’re wrong! -
This is your personal free-thinking space.
Buy yourself a beautiful journal, or decorate a notebook, create something that makes your inner child go ‘Oooooooh”
Find a quiet and comfortable space where you can deep dive into reflections undisturbed.
Silence or turn off your phone - that notification ping is going to interrupt your precious thoughts and flow.
Give yourself grace - Some days I’ll write pages, others just a few words. Some days I write ... “I’ve got nothing to say today” and that’s ok. Don’t make yourself wrong.
Journalling is an act of self-care, don’t overthink it or overcomplicate it.
Make it a joyful thing that you feel excited to come back to.
