Why It’s Important to Send Handwritten Letters

Most communication these days takes place through email, text messaging and social media. It would seem that traditional methods like a pen and a pad have all but become obsolete. There’s no denying that sending and receiving messages instantly is convenient in this fast-paced society, but these methods are also very impersonal. Handwritten letters, whether to your mom, dad, significant other or business contacts, will forever have meaning that far exceeds any other form of e-communication. Here are 6 amazing reasons why…

It Boosts Happiness

Writing has a therapeutic effect on people. When you hand-write letters, whether it be a love note to your fiance or a letter of thanks to your parents, expressing those feelings with pen and paper can help boost your mood. You’re essentially channeling positive energy as you pour out your heart to those closest to you. It can help you remember what to be thankful for in life and appreciate those relationships dearest to you.

It Makes It Personal

There is a time for auto-generated content and quick messages via text or chat and then there’s a time to send a personal message. Even in business, handwritten letters can take on a whole new meaning. Sending out a newsletter via email to your customer base may be fine for updating them on the status of your business, but if you’re thanking them for their support, it gives off a better impression if you write a note of thanks complete with your signature. Why? Well, your customers know that handwriting takes time and the fact that you’re willing to take time out of your day to draft a special message, stamp it and mail it to their residence says a lot. You don’t have to write everything, look for customized stamps to handle your return address or logo, but hand-write the rest.

It’s a Confidence Builder

Have you ever done something to someone you care about and wished you had the courage to let them know you’re sorry? A handwritten note can give you that confidence you need to say the words your mouth won’t let you utter. You can dig deep down and say, “I’m sorry. I wish I did more; I’m here for you now” and send the letter through the mail.

It Sparks Creativity

Writing requires you to utilize your cognitive, visual and motor skills to complete. As it takes more thought and energy to hand-write a letter than it does to send a text or chat message, it pushes you to tune other things out and really connect with your mind.

It’s a Physical Reminder That You Care

Handwritten letters are precious to receive. They require your undivided attention, creativity and innermost thoughts to complete. When your letters are received, it is a tangible reminder to the recipient that you care. It is something they can look back on years from now and remember a special time in their lives.

It Lets Unplug

If you’re focusing on writing a letter to your long-distance relatives or a gratitude letter to the love of your life, all of your attention will have to be devoted to writing. You won’t be able to draft a meaningful letter if you’re distracted by the television, computer screen or your smartphone. Thus, having some extra time to unplug can be great for your health.

People have been handwriting letters since the beginning of time. Though faster mediums have replaced the pen and pad, there’s still nothing as authentic and special as jotting down a message the old-fashioned way. Whether you’re writing a letter to friends, family members, blog supporters, customers or a significant other, the process can be very therapeutic.

So, don’t be afraid to say thanks, “Thinking of you“, “I’m sorry” or “I miss you” through the snail mail. It’s gestures like these that let others know just how much they mean to you. Now, get out that pen and paper and get to writing those handwritten letters!!

–Sara Stringer is a freelance writer who most enjoys blogging about lifestyle, relationships and life as a woman. In her spare time, she enjoys soaking up the sunshine with her husband and two kids. Compensation was received for the editing and publishing of this article.

[Photos via We Heart It]