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1. Disconnecting to reconnect - Research suggests that the average person spends around seven hours of their day online, looking at their phones or some other kind of screen. Many of us notice that we’re feeling a little fried, but don’t know how to cut down, considering that so much of modern life involves technology.

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1. Disconnecting to reconnect -

Writing a letter is an amazing way to both engage your brain and relax, totally unplugged. It helps us reconnect with ourselves in a mindful way, as well as with the people we’re writing to.

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2. Mood boost and mental health - Research has shown that writing in any form, whether it be letter writing, journaling, or creative writing, has amazing benefits for your mental health. This activity improves mood and reduces depressive symptoms, as well as reducing stress and anxiety.

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2. Mood boost and mental health -

There is also research to suggest that writing can help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Sometimes it’s difficult to talk about traumatic incidents, but writing about them can be an easier way to take the first step and begin to process.

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2. Mood boost and mental health -

Writing a letter to someone is a common therapeutic practice, even though the letters don’t need to be sent. The act of writing your thoughts and feelings as if you’re telling them to another person is powerful enough.

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3. Physical health -

A 2013 study compared the healing times of those who had experienced physical trauma. One group spent time writing about their experience and their emotions, and the other didn’t. The wounds of the people who wrote actually healed faster!

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3. Physical health -

There’s further evidence to suggest that expressive writing also lowers blood pressure, improves lung and liver function, and generally reduces time spent in hospital.

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4. Processing and clarifying -

The process of writing a letter is very different from firing off a text or an email. It’s a deliberate action that requires time and thought. We might send a message while we’re queuing for coffee or commuting to work. A letter, however, requires you to assemble stationary and sit down in an appropriate place where you can concentrate.

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4. Processing and clarifying -

The ritual around letter writing helps to bring the mind into focus. It's time you've set aside to write with intention, whether that be to share something with a loved one or reflect on experiences you've had.

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5. Time to think -

It can be helpful to write a letter when working up to an important or emotional topic, as it helps to work through your thoughts when you’re not on the spot. Some people express themselves best when speaking, while others find writing to be much more effective. There are times in life when it’s important to use your words carefully, and writing and reviewing them before sharing might be the best way.

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5. Time to think - It can also be beneficial to the other person if you give them time to read the letter and formulate their own response. Hurtful words are often exchanged when we speak in the heat of the moment. Having some time to take a breather and reflect is always helpful.

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6. Keeping your mind sharp -

The brain is comparable to a muscle in that it needs to be exercised in order to stay strong and function well. This becomes particularly important as we get older. Trying new activities is a great way to keep the brain active, and writing has countless benefits.

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6. Keeping your mind sharp -

Writing has been shown to improve memory and the ability to communicate. We’re forced to organize our thoughts, construct sentences, and spell words without autocorrect! The fact that you’re writing on paper and can’t easily correct errors makes your mind more engaged.

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7. Creativity -

Most of us don’t get the opportunity to explore our creativity at work. The corporate world is all about logic and structure, focusing on skills associated with the left side of the brain. Sitting down with a pen and paper allows us to engage the right side of the brain and let our creativity flow.

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7. Creativity -

When writing a letter, you can give yourself a creative task by recounting an experience or something beautiful you saw as if you were writing a story.

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8. Creating connections -

Despite the fact that we’re more connected than ever, at least digitally, loneliness is still a huge issue faced by many. There’s something about the speed and lack of physicality in online interactions that doesn’t quite satisfy the human need for community.

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8. Creating connections -

When we receive a letter, there is a physical object that comes with the knowledge that someone we care about is thinking of us. If there are words of affirmation and affection included, all the better.

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9. Gratitude -

Sitting down to handwrite a letter encourages us to think and reflect in a way we often don’t when we’re sending a message or chatting on the phone.

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9. Gratitude -

Letter writing can also be carried out as an exercise in gratitude. You might start by thinking of a few people you could send a letter to, such as a loved one who lives far away, an elderly relative, or someone who touched your life in the past but may not know it. Set aside an allotted time each week to write a letter to someone simply to tell them why you’re grateful that they’re in your life.

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10. Making someone feel special -

Writing and mailing a letter takes time and effort, which makes the recipient feel special. It’s a way of expressing how much you care for someone and confirms how important that relationship is to you.

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10. Making someone feel special -

Can you remember the last time you received a letter or postcard? It’s such a rare occurrence these days that it usually comes as a surprise, and gives a real heartwarming sense of joy and appreciation.

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11. Lasting mementos -

In the past, when letters were exchanged more commonly, many people would hold onto them as treasured keepsakes. A woman might have a stash of love letters her husband sent to her while they were dating as a reminder of their youthful passion. The letters of artists and creatives like Vincent van Gogh have been saved as valuable historical references, for instance.

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11. Lasting mementos -

No matter how simple, a letter can have untold value to the recipient. They may keep it in the drawer of their desk for whenever they feel lonely or need a reminder that they are loved, or store it in a box with other mementos from their life. There is so much value in something you can hold in your hands, even if the email version contains the same words.

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12. Reducing loneliness -

If you want to get into the practice of writing letters but aren’t sure where to start, try writing to elderly relatives or loved ones who are feeling isolated. You may have a young relative who just moved away to a new city, or know someone who’s in hospital or a care home.

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12. Reducing loneliness -

Opening your mailbox to find that someone cares enough to have written and posted a letter can have a huge impact during hard times. You may even add to the warmth by including an old photo with the letter.

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13. Writing and traveling -

Writing letters during your travels, even if they’re just postcards, can really enhance the experience. It helps you be present and reflect on the experiences you’re having as you share them with someone from home, while also giving them the excitement of receiving mail that isn’t a bill!

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13. Writing and traveling - There’s evidence to suggest that putting pen to paper helps us retain information better. Writing a letter while you’re traveling will help solidify those experiences in your memory.

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13. Writing and traveling -

In fact, you can even write a letter to yourself so it’s waiting for you when you get home. What a beautiful way to remind yourself of how you felt while you were traveling and to feel gratitude for those experiences.

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14. Family activity -

Letter writing doesn’t have to be something you do alone. If you have younger kids, it can be a great rainy day activity that has countless benefits for their young minds. It encourages them to improve their writing skills and express their creativity.

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14. Family activity -

You can also make it a weekly or monthly activity where they write letters to older relatives or teachers to let them know they appreciate them, including updates about their lives and drawings. This can help emphasize the importance of fostering connections with loved ones and showing gratitude from a young age.

Sources: (Forbes) (HuffPost) (Welia Health) (Lifehack) 

See also: Expert advice to get kids off their screens

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