The Transformative Power of Handwriting: My Journey with an iPad and Apple Pencil
In the digital age, where keyboards and screens dominate our daily lives, I discovered a habit that transformed not only the way I work but also how I think and process information. The act of writing with my own hands using an iPad and Apple Pencil has become a cornerstone of my personal and professional development. This simple yet impactful habit has led to numerous improvements in my life, influencing my creativity, memory, and even my emotional well-being.
Rediscovering handwriting in a digital world
The journey began when I decided to merge the tactile pleasure of handwriting with the technological advancements of the 21st century. The iPad and Apple Pencil offered a unique opportunity to do just that, providing a platform where the digital and the traditional could coexist and complement each other. The decision to incorporate handwriting into my daily routine was, in part, an experiment—a test to see if old-school methods could find their place in the modern workflow and more importantly; if I could find the time to nurture a good habit I knew would be good for me
Enhancements in creativity and memory
One of the most immediate benefits I noticed was an enhancement in my creativity. The act of writing by hand with the Apple Pencil on the smooth surface of the iPad felt different from typing. It was as if each word and each stroke engaged a different part of my brain, unlocking ideas and thoughts that remained dormant when I was tapping away at a keyboard. This method of jotting down thoughts, brainstorming, and sketching ideas became a critical part of my creative process. Not to even mention how much easier it is to communicate complicated ideas with hand drawn aides.
Moreover, the physical act of handwriting significantly improved my memory retention. Studies have shown that writing information by hand involves more cognitive processes than typing, which can lead to better memory recall. For me, this meant that notes taken during user interviews, research findings, and even to-do lists became easier to remember without constantly revisiting them.
Emotional connection and mindfulness
Another unexpected yet welcome improvement was the emotional connection I developed with keeping myself organized as I had less visual clutter to begin with. Writing by hand created a more intimate and reflective experience, allowing me to slow down and be more present. This mindfulness aspect of handwriting provided a moment of calmness in my hectic schedule, reducing stress and enhancing my overall well-being.
Organizational efficiency
From an organizational standpoint, the iPad and Apple Pencil revolutionized the way I manage my work. The ability to categorize, search, and share handwritten notes effortlessly meant that I could maintain a level of organization that was previously unattainable with paper notebooks or fully digital tools such as figma, notion, etc.
A tool for continuous learning
Finally, this habit has fostered a culture of continuous learning in my life. The flexibility to seamlessly switch between writing, drawing, and reading on a single device encouraged me to explore new topics, learn new skills, and constantly challenge my own perspectives. Even though I initially got this device so I could read (and pirate) comic books, I am glad I didn’t get a device which could do just that.
Where does Lettre.app come in?
Incorporating the habit of handwriting using an iPad and Apple Pencil into my daily routine has been nothing short of transformative. It has enhanced my creativity, memory, organizational skills, and even my emotional health. This journey has taught me the value of blending the old with the new, showing that sometimes, looking back to traditional methods can lead us forward in our digital lives. For anyone looking to enrich their personal or professional life, I cannot recommend this habit enough. It's a simple change, but its impact can be profound, touching every aspect of your life in ways you might not expect. This journey wouldn’t have started if lettre.app didn’t invoke that sense of expressing myself with my horrible handwriting, which is now (marginally) better thanks to this habit!
If you have an ipad and an apple pencil, this app is built for you.
