The Power of the Pen: Writing vs. Typing and How It Impacts Your Brain
In a world driven by screens, we often overlook the power of something simple: pen and paper.
Whether you’re journaling your fitness progress, setting goals, or just trying to remember something important, how you write matters. Not just for the sake of preference, but for the way your brain processes and retains information.
At CrossFit Full Armor, we talk a lot about physical strength—but we also believe in building mental and spiritual strength. So let’s dive into how writing and typing impact your brain differently, and why choosing one over the other might help you grow stronger from the inside out.
Writing by Hand: Deep Encoding for Lasting Memory
Studies have consistently shown that writing by hand engages more areas of the brain than typing. Here’s what happens when you write something down:
You slow down. Writing forces you to be more intentional. You can’t transcribe as fast as your thoughts flow, so your brain filters and organizes information more effectively.
You engage motor memory. The physical act of forming letters with your hand activates regions in the brain associated with movement, memory, and comprehension.
You boost retention. When students handwrite notes, they recall concepts better than those who type. This is because handwriting leads to deeper cognitive processing—a term researchers call “encoding.”
In short, writing is like resistance training for your brain. Slower, more deliberate, and incredibly effective.
Typing: Fast, Convenient, But Surface-Level
Typing, on the other hand, is fast and efficient—especially if you’re capturing large amounts of information. But that speed can come at a cost:
You become a transcriber. Many people type word-for-word, especially in meetings or lectures, which can reduce meaningful engagement.
You retain less. Because typing can be more passive, your brain may not create as strong a memory trace compared to writing.
You risk distraction. Screens offer endless opportunities to multitask—and we all know how easy it is to jump between tabs and lose focus.
That said, typing isn’t all bad. It’s great for organizing thoughts quickly or getting your ideas out in a creative burst. But for memory and learning, handwriting still holds the edge.
How This Relates to Your Health Journey
Whether you're tracking workouts, reflecting on Scripture, or journaling through a season of growth—don’t underestimate the power of putting pen to paper.
Here are three ways to put this into practice:
Write down your goals. Take five minutes to handwrite your fitness, faith, or life goals each week. Writing makes them real.
Journal after workouts. Reflect on how you felt, what you learned, and what you’re grateful for. It strengthens your mind and your discipline.
Keep a training notebook. Record progress manually. You'll notice trends, see growth, and stay more connected to your journey.
Final Thoughts
God created us with minds capable of incredible learning and reflection. Slowing down to write is one way we honor that design. So next time you’re tempted to just type it out, consider grabbing a pen instead.
It might just be the mental workout you need.