Why Handwriting (Not Typing) Makes You A Better Thinker
Recent research reveals that handwriting activates broader networks in your brain than typing - and for ADHD and divergent thinkers, this difference matters more than most realize.
If you're anything like me, you've probably filled countless digital note-taking apps with brilliant ideas that you never look at again. Our ADHD brains love the dopamine hit of capturing ideas quickly, but something crucial gets lost in the process.
Recent research from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology reveals something fascinating about how our brains process handwriting versus typing.
When we write by hand, it activates strong connections between our brain's visual, sensory, and motor regions.
Typing, on the other hand, shows significantly less activity in these same areas.
For those of us with ADHD, this difference matters. Here's why:
When typing notes, as researcher Audrey van der Meer points out, information often "goes in through your ears and comes out through your fingertips" without real processing.
But handwriting naturally slows us down, forcing our brains to engage differently with the information.
For divergent thinkers, this shift in processing can be powerful. The physical act of writing:
Makes you be more intentional with what's worth capturing since you can't write everything
Creates natural pauses that allow your mind to process information
Combines visual, motor, and memory skills in ways typing doesn't
I saw this play out in my own journey building a content business. When I started mixing handwritten notes into my system:
My ideas had more depth because I had to think before writing
I remembered concepts better due to the physical act of writing
The slower pace helped me spot patterns I'd missed before
But let me be clear, I'm not suggesting you write everything by hand. That's not practical or necessary. Instead, think strategically about when to use each method:
Use handwriting when:
Learning new concepts you want to remember
Processing complex ideas
Making important decisions
Working through creative blocks
Developing original ideas
Stick with digital tools when:
You need to capture information quickly
Organization and searchability matter most
You're collaborating with others
Writing final drafts or longer content
Students in my community who've tried this balanced approach report:
Better understanding of what they learn
Fresh perspectives on familiar topics
Improved focus during important work
Stronger grasp of their own ideas
Less digital overwhelm
The science suggests it's about finding the right tool for each task. Your divergent thinking isn't a weakness – it's a strength. Sometimes supporting that strength means stepping away from the keyboard.
Want to learn more about building systems that work with your unique brain? This is exactly what we explore in my Zettel Monetizer course, where I help divergent thinkers turn their scattered ideas into valuable content.
Stay curious,
-Tony
Whenever you’re ready, here’s 3 ways I can help:
1. Flow Vault Pro for Obsidian: Get a complete writing OS in Obsidian with a don-for-you Luhmann style zettelkasten.
2. Zettel Monetizer Course: Become a synthesizer and monetize your note-making with a Substack newsletter powered by your zettelkasten.
3. Book a call to work with me and turn chaos into creative clarity.
