In today’s digital world, we’ve come to rely on apps and screens for almost everything—from managing tasks to making grocery lists. But there’s something about putting pen to paper that still resonates with many people. If you’ve ever found yourself writing down your grocery list by hand, you might wonder what this old-school method says about you. Spoiler: It’s more than just nostalgia.
The benefits of going old-school
You might think that in a world where digital tools and apps dominate, handwriting lists is a waste of time. However, psychology suggests that writing things down by hand can have numerous cognitive benefits that modern apps simply can’t replicate. Research has shown that when we write by hand, we engage specific parts of our brains linked to memory, learning, and focus.
One study out of Japan found that people who use paper calendars activate brain regions responsible for memory retention. In fact, they can recall details 25% faster than those using digital calendars. This may seem surprising in an age where smartphones rule, but there’s something unique about the act of physically writing things down that boosts our brain’s ability to store and retrieve information.
“I don’t know about you, but I hate typing lists on my phone. Adding new items to a list is inevitably a pain. And even when I could sync the phone app with a website or an app on my computer, it still took more time to type my list than to just write it down,” said Kristin Appenbrink, the co-founder of Part Time Vegan and Silent Book Club.
A sense of order and control
Another reason many people still opt for paper lists is the sense of control and order it provides. In a recent British survey, 68% of adults said that writing down their tasks gave them a feeling of organization, something they don’t experience with digital tools. There’s something deeply satisfying about crossing off items from a paper list that simply doesn’t compare to the tick-boxes in apps. Paper gives us a tangible sense of accomplishment, providing clarity and focus, which ultimately helps us stay on track in both work and personal life.
Say goodbye to digital distractions
If you’ve ever been distracted by your smartphone while trying to make a list, you’re not alone. The constant pinging of messages and social media notifications can easily derail your concentration. The allure of your device can make it almost impossible to stay focused, especially when you’re trying to shop. Writing by hand, however, eliminates this temptation. By simply picking up a pen and paper, you automatically cut out those distractions. This gives you a cleaner, more efficient way to get your tasks done.
A smarter way to shop
Let’s face it—impulse buying is real, and it’s a problem for many of us. Studies have shown that people who shop with a grocery list are less likely to make spontaneous purchases. One study from Drexel University revealed that having a paper list helps you stick to your shopping plan and resist temptations. It gives you a clear path to follow, both literally and figuratively. Not only does this save you money, but it also helps you stay focused on what you actually need, rather than what catches your eye in the store.
Writing by hand boosts creativity
Here’s something you may not have expected: Writing by hand can actually enhance creativity. When you use pen and paper, research suggests that you activate a broader network in the brain, specifically the theta-alpha network, which is associated with generating new ideas. This is a different form of brain activity than when you type on a keyboard, and it’s the same network that helps you solve problems and think more innovatively. So, that grocery list? It might just help you think outside the box in other areas of life too.
