Drawing, Handwriting, and Coloring are Good for the Brain

illustration by Andy McNally

I read a recent article in the New York Times, ‘Working With Your Hands Is Good for Your Brain,’ which discussed the importance of hands-on activities for our brains. Scientific studies have found that many hands-on activities like knitting, gardening, handwriting, coloring, playing a musical instrument, and making art are associated with cognitive and emotional benefits. The research found the people showed improvements in memory and attention, as well as reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms.

sketchnote and illustrations by Andy McNally

Sketchnotes ( visual note taking)

A study in Norway found that handwriting and drawing engage and exercise the brain more than typing on a keyboard. The research found that with handwriting, you have to form letters by making finely controlled hand and finger movements. Handwriting and drawings require elaborate brain activity.

illustration by Andy McNally

Sketchnotes combine handwriting and drawing into a shared activity. Ditch the keyboard for note-taking. Grab some paper and your favorite writing tool to exercise your mind and give your memory an extra boost.

Check out these articles for more information.

Students Who Still Take Notes by Hand Better Off, Say Neuroscientists - Newsweek

For More Effective Studying, Take Notes With Pen and Paper - Nova on PBS

Advantages of Drawing Over Typing for Learning - Frontiers

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