I’ve never been the kind of person to make New Year’s resolutions. But this December, I felt an eagerness to start a new habit: writing more on paper! The timing feels almost coincidental, aligning perfectly with the idea of making a resolution. Besides, I figured that if I want to build a new habit for next year, it would be wise to begin as early as December. That way, by the time the new year arrived, I’d already be in sync. It made sense, so I thought, “Let’s start then!”

The Simple Joy of Handwriting That I’d Forgotten

Back in my school days, technology wasn’t as advanced as it is now. Computers were reserved for important documents, and phones were for sending messages or making calls, not much more. Taking notes, however, was entirely handwritten, and I remember how much I loved it. For me, handwriting notes blended art and science. It required thought and organization, deciding what was important enough to write down, processing the information as I wrote it, and prioritizing ideas to create something that made sense. I’d even combine ideas from different sources, weaving them together so my notes were functional, personal, and easy to revisit. There was something deeply satisfying about flipping back through those pages and instantly understanding the content.

I also used to add little touches of creativity, like colorful highlights or small doodles in the margins. These small efforts not only made my notes visually appealing but also made the process more enjoyable. Looking back, I realize how much I valued those moments, and how they allowed me to engage with what I was learning on a deeper level.

Back then, journaling was also my thing. I loved writing in a pretty notebook, scribbling ideas, and even doodling in the margins.

But when I got to college, handwriting slowly disappeared from my life. Everything moved online, from schedules to to-do lists, and I adapted. But at least I still love my handwriting that I make transformation of digital lecture handouts into my own notebook in a flow that make sense to me personally.

As technology advanced and professional life getting more demanding, I fully embraced digital platforms. Now, I’ve relied on digital tools like Notion. It’s easy, convenient, and honestly, hard to beat. Need to rearrange something? Drag and drop. Want to delete an idea? One click, and it’s gone. My life became neatly organized in pixels, but something was missing.

Why Handwriting Matters More Than You Think

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on why I miss writing by hand. Turns out, there’s science to back this up. Research published in Frontiers in Psychology found that handwriting engages the brain in unique ways. When university students wrote by hand, their brain activity showed more intricate patterns in areas linked to memory and learning compared to typing. It’s the precision and motor control of forming each letter that makes the difference, creating deeper connections in the brain. Typing, while efficient, doesn’t activate the brain in the same way.

Reading about this made me realize that my fondness for handwriting wasn’t just nostalgia, but also it had real cognitive benefits. Writing by hand isn’t just about putting words on paper. It’s about engaging with information in a way that helps us learn and remember better.

That Stationery Section Always Calls Me

Even before I knew about the research, I often found myself lingering in the stationery section at bookstores. Those beautiful journals always tempt me and make me feel nostalgic of my good old time, but I’ve stopped myself from buying them. What’s the point? I’d ask myself. I wasn’t journaling or even nothing to note in handwriting anymore, so why buy something I wouldn’t use?

But lately, things started to shift. I live in a community where many people enjoy writing on paper, and it reminded me of how happy I used to feel handwriting back in school. Social media algorithms helped too, throwing studies, videos, and posts about the joys and benefits of writing on paper into my feed. I couldn’t ignore the pull any longer.

December Brain Dumping: A Habit That Feels Right

So, in early December, I decided to stop overthinking and just go for it. I finally bought a notebook and wrote down whatever crossed my mind. Now, as December comes to an end, I realize how much I’ve missed it. Scribbling my thoughts with a pen feels grounding and refreshing in ways that typing never did. It’s a small ritual that reconnects me with myself. I can honestly say I love this new habit of scribbling and writing on paper.

No Rules, Just Me and My Pen

I’ve seen all the fancy journaling methods online: people adding art, colors, and complex layouts. But I decided to keep it simple. No pressure to create something perfect. Right now, I’m letting myself enjoy the act of writing without any rules. I believe that, as time goes by, I will find my own way that suits my preferences and needs best.

Why Not Start Now?

This small decision reminded me of something important: you don’t need a new year to start a new habit. Whether it’s journaling, exercising, or learning something new, the best time to begin is whenever it feels right. For me, picking up a pen again has been a small yet meaningful change. A reminder that even in a digital world, some old habits are worth revisiting.

Backed by science and inspired by personal joy, this rediscovery of handwriting feels like more than just a nostalgic hobby. It’s a meaningful way to connect with my thoughts, engage my mind, and bring a little more balance to my life.