Why would writing information on paper help you remember things better?

If you're looking to organize and plan things neatly, there are dozens of mobile apps that can help you remember the important things in life. But what if the best way to memorize is to simply write them down on paper?

Many studies have shown that writing on paper is actually a way to help remember things better. Although each person will have different methods of notes and to-do lists, our brain always retains better information after writing them on paper. And that's why sometimes you should forget about modern technology, just a notebook and a pen are enough.

But why does writing things work on your brain in such a positive way?

Why does the brain like paper and pen?

Using pen and paper is an experience that feels more profound than touching the keyboard.

As you type, you use motor skills in a much more limited way than when using your hands to write. Using pen and paper is an experience that feels more profound than touching the keyboard. Because you create each character with your own hands, it is obvious that writing is more ingenious than typing.

When you learn the impact this difference has on your brain, things become much more interesting.Hand writing is a combination of motor skills, touch sensation, and visual perception - all of which enhance the natural learning process of the human brain .

Researchers at the Norwegian Center for Learning and Behavioral Studies in Education found that handwriting activates different areas of the brain than reading typed words.

The ability to remember your handwritten content is related to the movements you need to write down each character. Perhaps this is something that helps the memory of what we have written to exist in the brain a little longer. Meanwhile, pressing buttons on the keyboard activates fewer areas in the brain, so we tend to forget what we typed faster.

The above is entirely reasonable if you study the process of the first human development of reading and writing skills. This process is closely related to physical touch, when thousands of years ago, we "handwritten" by engraving symbols on rocks, or pressing on clay blocks. Our minds and bodies are prepared for this type of physical interaction with the world around us. But typing is completely different from using your hands to create the shape of each individual character.

Therefore, when you write by hand, you are providing "stimulant drugs" to accelerate the brain's coding process. "Encryption" here refers to the process of sending information to a part called "hippocampus" in your brain, which is the decision making place for long-term storage or should forget it. If you write something by hand, the chances of that information being stored for re-use will increase.

In short, hand writing will force your brain to process information in a more detailed way, helping you successfully load information into memory.

What should be written down and when should you do it?

To get the most out of handwriting, all you need is to write regularly. However, that doesn't mean you have to write everything down - it takes a lot of work!

Instead, use the tips below to help remember what you really need to remember.

There is always a to-do list:

First, you should start by writing down a list of things to do during the day, week, or month. This simple tactic allows you to test the benefits of handwritten notes.

You can back up your listing on your phone's calendar application if desired. However, you will soon realize that you no longer need such notifications.

Write a list of things to do during the day, week, or month.

Another benefit of writing a to-do list is not being distracted by a series of phone notifications or reminders.

Write down the goals:

Another pretty good way to experiment is to write down your goals. Having a list of things you want to achieve will make them more realistic, and help them be the brain's priority.

Writing down the goals you want to achieve also makes it easier for you to plan the steps needed to realize your dream.

Just write down the essentials:

As you type a note, you'll easily put more information in it than you need to. Because handwriting will take more time, you have to think critically about what is really worth writing.

And that serious thought process can further enhance your memory.

Note information when listening to podcasts or watching TV shows:

If you often learn through listening to podcasts or watching TV shows, take a few notes - it's a great way to make sure the information you know doesn't "float" away.

Research shows that college students who make notes by hand will remember information better than students who don't. This is because, as mentioned above, handwriting is always slower than typing.

Handwritten students certainly can't write as fast as the instructor's speaking speed, so they have to find ways to "settle" the information and make wise choices about what to write. Thanks to this, they will gain more useful knowledge about the subject - even if they never review their notes!

Meanwhile, students who type notes with the keyboard are probably just transcribing what the instructor said, rather than reprocessing the information heard in their own words.

If you are trying to learn something new from podcasts or television shows, you can use the same tactics to increase your memory. Just rewriting a few words and basic ideas can greatly improve your comprehension.

Write down important things repeatedly:

Is there something really important on your list? Maximize the memory benefit of handwriting by writing it down several times.

Writing important things right before you go to bed will also help you to store that information better.

Check out the notes:

When you write down important notes, you will find yourself remembering them without reading the notes again. One benefit of this tactic, however, is that the information you write will always be available when you need it.

As mentioned above, even reading handwritten content requires more of the brain than reading typed content. Therefore, re-reading the notes can also enhance your memory.

Of course, you can download all applications and programs that help you keep track of tasks, ideas, and information. But, writing down a few notes is a quick and easy thing - you have nothing to try. Get a small notebook, or a calendar, and give it a try.

That can change your life faster than any other computer or phone application.

1. The secret of long-lasting memory of the best memorizer in America
2. Gene therapy: a new way of improving memory and learning