The science of writing it down: Promotional stationery and longhand

When was the last time you wrote something down? With the rise of technology, handwritten notes are becoming a thing of the past. Technology has reduced the need for paper-and-pen activities, whether at work, in school or just in day-to-day life. But there are benefits to doing things the old-fashioned way. Science suggests there are learning and retention benefits to writing things down. For instance, studies show people who write by hand on paper are 25% quicker opens in new window at note-taking tasks than those using digital technology. Let’s explore more ways choosing longhand can be a positive. Spoiler alert: Providing promotional stationery can encourage the act of writing.

People who write by hand on paper are 25% quicker at note-taking tasks than those using digital tablets or smartphones.

Enhance learning

When writing by hand, brain connectivity patterns opens in new window are far more elaborate than when typing. This sort of brain activity is crucial for memory formation and retaining new information—so it’s beneficial for learning too.

Encourage team members to take notes in spiral notebooks at important meetings. Small notepads, distributed throughout a workplace, might encourage people to jot down thoughts or small bits of information instead of immediately reaching for their phone.

Beneficial for brain health

Similar to how daily activities, like crossword puzzles or math games, can help keep an aging mind sharp, so too can writing. The increase in brain connectivity opens in new window that occurs when writing can help fight cognitive decline.

Moleskine^® notebooks are thoughtful gift ideas. When presenting one of these Moleskine gifts, mention the benefits that old-fashioned writing can bring to a person. Keeping a daily journal or log of activities can be a great resource later—either for a specific purpose, like finding the date of your last oil change, or just a trip down memory lane.

Better for mental health

The physical act of writing can settle a busy brain. There’s a reason writing therapy exists—putting pen to paper can reduce stress, help organize thoughts and provide an emotional release. When a friend, colleague, client or customer is navigating challenges in their life, offer them a jotter or pocket notebook to journal, write down things they’re thankful for or record memories that conjure up good feelings.

A promotional planner may be a helpful tool to stay focused during a chaotic period. If someone is beginning an especially busy time—whether it’s an accountant heading into tax season or a teacher beginning a new school year—a promotional planner can help organize their days and thoughts.

Improves attention span

Going full analog when taking notes, writing an outline or completing a rough draft requires your full attention. But when typing on a laptop, entertaining videos and moment-by-moment news updates are often just a click away. Writing also unburdens our short-term memory opens in new window, which leads to fewer mistakes and frees up the brain for other important functions.

Providing sturdy hardcover notebooks in meetings, at conferences or during training can help keep workers focused. Looking for a more upscale option? Consider a high-end gift, like a Moleskine ruled notebook. Make a great gift even better by including a top pen.

Helps you reach your goals

Studies show opens in new window that the act of writing down a goal can significantly increase the odds of it being achieved. In a way, writing it down on paper is like writing it down in our brains—it’s called encoding opens in new window. And an encoded goal is less likely to fade from memory before it’s reached.

When your organization sets short- or long-term goals, have employees jot them on a wall calendar or desk calendar to ensure they stay top of mind. Ask new employees to write onboarding or training goals on adhesive notes that they can keep near their workspace. The act of writing goals—and seeing them every day—can help to keep them on track.

Find your own benefits using branded stationery

Even the most avid technology users can find benefits to using pen and paper. Writing longhand for work, school or personal tasks can improve attention span, settle a busy mind and help organize thoughts. And not only does physical writing help with memory, but by providing promotional stationery, you’ll help your brand stick in minds too.

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