If you've ever been lying in bed, with your journal just out of reach, wondering if it would be just as effective to tap out some thoughts in your phone instead of getting up to find your journal and pen, you're not alone.
With phones, laptops and tablets always within reach, it's natural to ask whether typing is just as beneficial as writing by hand.
So, is handwriting actually better than typing when you journal?
The short answer is yes. The longer answer is that it depends.
How handwriting affects the way you think
One of the biggest benefits of handwriting for journaling is that it slows your thinking down.
When you type, your thoughts can race ahead. When you write by hand, your brain has to move at the pace of your pen. If you're anything like me, handwriting might take some getting used to as your mind tries to skip ahead. But that slower rhythm encourages deeper reflection and more considered thoughts.
Lots of people notice that clarity appears mid-sentence when handwriting. You begin writing about a problem that's been plaguing you, and by the time you finish the line, the answer feels obvious. That’s because handwriting gives your mind time to process what’s really going on.
The calming effect of writing by hand
Handwriting also engages your senses in a way typing doesn’t.
The feeling of the pen in your hand and the paper beneath your fingers can be grounding, especially when you’re feeling anxious or stressed. Writing by hand pulls your attention away from screens and creates a small moment of presence in an otherwise busy day.
This sensory experience is one reason handwriting is often recommended for reflection, stress relief, and emotional processing.
Handwriting has also been shown to help with memory and learning, and it engages more sections of your brain than typing. None of those are directly tied to the impact of journaling, but it wouldn't be wild to assume you might unlock a deeper understanding of yourself and your behaviours when you're handwriting.
Is typing bad for journaling?
Typing isn’t bad for journaling. In fact, it can be a great option if it helps you stay consistent. Because the best way to journal is the one you’ll actually do.
If you find that you journal more often when you use your phone or laptop, that matters more than the method itself. Regular reflection is what creates clarity over time.
Handwriting isn’t about doing journaling the “right” way. It’s about choosing a method that supports how you think and feel.
So which is better: handwriting or typing?
If you’re deciding between handwriting and typing for journaling, consider what you need most right now.
If you want to slow down, reflect more deeply, and create a sense of calm, handwriting is often the better choice. If convenience and consistency matter more, typing may suit your life better.
And if you’re unsure, pen and paper is always a good place to start, and you might also like these tips on how to start a journaling ritual you'll actually stick to.
