Ep. 160 – Write Things Out (Even if You Don’t Read Them)

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Welcome to the Train Your Brain Podcast! Today Dr. Trayford shares brain training tip number 160! There are a few things that we are missing out on as we move further and further away from writing things out on paper. When we write something out by hand we are using our brain to form the letters. Just the act of writing something out helps us remember it better. Even if you never actually are able to come back and read what you wrote, you’ll still be better off. So, don’t type everything you write; pick up a pencil as often as you can. Thanks for listening!

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Everyone learns a little differently. However, most people can learn through this direct method. Writing things out can help brain development, memory and other aspects of cognitive ability. Even if you don’t go back later and read what you wrote, it will still impart many benefits.

As long as you get it on paper, you will change your brain function. Research conducted at Indiana University that showed that the act of handwriting engages areas of the brain that you simply don’t get from tapping on a keyboard.

When they conducted MRI tests, they saw a significant difference in brain activity between the people that were writing with their hand and people who were merely typing the information out. They also measured other factors like cholesterol levels. So the body and the brain also saw health benefits from handwriting instead of using the keyboard.

Jason: that’s mind blowing. When I go see movies, I take notes during a movie, I don’t always go back to read the notes.

If you look at a common thread between a lot of successful people like Richard Branson and Napoleon Hill, they have a tendency to write things out, because they intuitively knew that it was beneficial to their thought process, memory and creativity.

This can apply to many other areas of your life. Even if you’re just going to the super market. Studies have shown if you take the time to write it out, rather than type it out.

Jason: It makes sense to me, if you’re writing out the message, your brain is working to make the shape of the letter.

Also, most people are right handed. So when you’re writing things out with your right hand, the left side of your brain is more engaged, which is the hemisphere of the brain responsible for language skills. So you’re definitely cementing things more when you’re writing things out.


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