Is Letter Writing Good for Your Mental Health?

Most of our written communication these days is digital. While it's quick, efficient and seemingly always available, is there another way to write some of our communications that might actually have some added value?

Perhaps a hand written letter to a friend or family member you haven't seen in a while. Perhaps an analogue thank you card for that birthday gift, versus the quick and easy text message.

Makes me wonder, Is letter writing good for your mental health? Let's have a look.

The art of writing physical letters offers unique therapeutic benefits that can enhance emotional well-being. Unlike digital communication, which often feels transient and impersonal, putting pen to paper invites a deeper, more intentional engagement with our thoughts and feelings.

One of the primary advantages of writing a physical letter is the sensory experience it provides. The tactile sensation of holding a pen, the texture of the paper, and the act of physically forming words can create a grounding effect, allowing individuals to connect more intimately with their emotions. This sensory engagement can enhance mindfulness, helping the writer to be present in the moment and to explore feelings with greater depth.

Unique to writing a letter by hand, is that it can slow down the thought process. In a digital format, thoughts can be quickly typed out and edited, sometimes leading to superficial communication. The act of handwriting encourages a more deliberate and reflective approach. As individuals take their time to compose their thoughts, they may discover insights and emotions that might have remained unarticulated in a digital format.

The permanence of a physical letter also adds a layer of significance to the writing process. The act of sealing a letter in an envelope can symbolize the importance of the emotions expressed, creating a sense of closure or catharsis. This ritual can be particularly beneficial when grappling with unresolved feelings, as it allows individuals to acknowledge their emotions and then set them aside, knowing they have been articulated.

Perhaps, most importantly, the absence of digital distractions when writing a physical letter allows for uninterrupted focus. This environment can lead to a deeper connection with one’s thoughts, fostering emotional clarity and promoting mental well-being.

Bottom line, the therapeutic effects of writing physical letters lie in the sensory engagement, reflective process, permanence, and focus they encourage. By embracing this analog form of expression, individuals can experience emotional healing and self-discovery.

Extra credit: write a letter with a fountain pen, or a ink well and quill!