How The Perfect Notebook Can Improve Your Life
Notebooks are often seen as an old-fashioned way of writing things down or making notes at work. However, technology has replaced the classic and timeless notebook with apps, phone notes and computer voice memos. We at Rampley & Co love this perfect accessory and its many functions and guises.
A Study at the University of Tokyo (2021) has revealed that writing on physical paper can lead to more brain activity when remembering the information an hour later. Contrary to the popular belief that digital tools increase efficiency, volunteers who used paper completed the note-taking task about 25% faster than those who used digital tablets or smartphones.
Below we explore the benefits of the quintessential notebook vs modern technology and how it can genuinely improve your life.
Shop The Collection: Wool Fabric & Leather Notebooks
SCIENTIFIC LINKS BETWEEN HANDWRITING & MEMORY
Deeper Information
After three experiments, research at UCLA in 2014 concluded that using laptops for note-taking might impair learning. Why? Because it often leads people to process information more shallowly.
This is because when you type notes on a computer or mobile, you may be too literal and type notes word for word without any context or too quickly to absorb. On the other hand, if you use a pen to paper, you have to be more selective in recapping key components and making it bespoke to what information you can truly understand and remember.
Robust Recall
It may be argued that typing is faster than writing by hand, but quantity doesn’t always mean better quality.
Research published in the Journal of Educational Psychology uncovered after 24 hours, hand-written notes are much more likely to be remembered than typing. This is because those using modern technology weren’t actively summarising and synthesising key points.
“Taking organised notes presumably involves deeper and more thorough processing of the lecture information, whereas transcribing requires only a shallow encoding of the information,” they explained.
In a recent podcast, Focus on This (2020), the power of journalling is discussed at length. They reveal that using a notebook can help with goal setting, and provides a way to shift into responsive thought mode. With three clear reasons below.
1. Journalling helps you learn from life
Creating notes and writing on paper is a great way to have a sense of awareness to trigger thoughts and document moments. These ‘moments' can then be remembered to help take stock of what is going on around you.
2. Journalling helps you train your thinking
Train your brain by shifting what you focus on. Optimise how you think by simply directing your focus differently. Being at one with your thoughts can stimulate positivity and draw away from outside negative influences.
3. Cultivate self-awareness
Writing notes can explain why you do what you do, why you are feeling a certain way and creating a forward path. It’s key for any leader to have self-awareness and being able to feel connected to yourself. 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference in becoming a better leader and improving your most important relationships.
BENEFITS OF A NOTEBOOKS VS YOUR PHONE
You may be used to writing notes on your phone or via a voice memo. However, switching back to the traditional notebook can be beneficial to more than practising your handwriting. The main reason why a timeless and classic notebook is valuable is that it keeps you away from your phone and social media. Reducing screen time can help improve mental health, physical strains on your neck and eyes, and even create a clearer sense of thought.
Writing a to-do list in a physical form can improve your memory to achieve and conquer each task. You can also tick or cross them through with a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day. Overusing your phone can lead to sleep issues, anxiety, decreased productivity, and other issues. The constant strain of checking notifications and messages can have a real impact on your state of mind.
Doesn’t Need Charging!
One technical and clear benefit is that natural elements from your paper and pen don’t require any charging and are always ready to use. It’s great to keep a notebook on hand in your bag for when your digital devices run out of juice. Even if your phone isn’t yet dead, using a notebook can help you save that battery life for something more urgent.
HOW WRITING NOTES CAN IMPROVE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH
Reducing Anxiety
Taking notes and writing about how you think and feel is linked to decreased mental distress. In a study conducted by JMIR Mental Health, researchers found that those with various medical conditions and anxiety who wrote for 15 minutes three days a week over 12 weeks had increased feelings of well-being and fewer depressive symptoms after one month. It is thought that expressing your inner feelings in an outward movement such as journaling can become therapeutic over time.
Regulate Emotions
Writing down your feelings about a difficult situation or event such as loss or trauma can you help you understand the emotions. In addition, the act of putting an experience into words and structure allows you to form new perceptions about events and move forward.
Creates Awareness
There are links between writing feelings and the impact on the brain and controlling emotions. You can often reflect and explore different viewpoints on why you feel a certain way and hopefully conclude. Writing notes or keeping journals also may encourage a person to know the right time to seek further professional help if required.
5 REASONS TO CARRY A NOTEBOOK WITH YOU
Look Professional At Work
Always a must-have item in any work briefcase or bag, your notebook means you will be ready for meetings at short notice. You wouldn’t want to be seen pulling your phone out to write down essential lists or items for the day. Having a leather or premium fabric notebook shows confidence, style and sophistication to deliver professionally.
A notebook in the workplace can inspire confidence and create a professional look.
Improve Your Mental Health
Writing journals or notes is an established technique doctors recommend to combat mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Keeping your thoughts processed in a personal and safe space such as a notebook can help with clarity and state of mind. Even if you don’t have anxiety, keeping a journal can help you clarify your feelings and know your inner thoughts. Keeping notes on your feelings can also help your future self look back on accomplishments and how you challenged or tackled things through busier & trickier times.
Perfect Your Handwriting
In the world of smartphones and modern technology, some people haven’t written by hand since their school days. Writing by hand has numerous advantages compared to typing, and keeping a notebook on hand is a great way to keep your script skills sharp. Studies show that writing by hand can improve your concentration and your spelling (without relying on spellchecks or apps). Occasionally jotting down thoughts in a notebook is a handy way to reinvigorate the parts of your brain (and hand) that don’t get a workout when you type on a computer or a smartphone.
Create Everlasting Memories & Stories
Thoughts and memories can become lost through time, life getting in the way and daily events. A notebook is a perfect place to jot down a quick idea before you forget it. Not only is memory fleeting, but it’s incredibly fallible. For example, you may want to note down a fantastic quote, saying or life affirmation that you can re-use in the future. Or have memories of your children or family to re-read about when you are older. Your notebook can become its own storybook and personal diary to reflect your life.
Be Inspired At Any Moment
Writing is the most historic creative form and an essential part of history in bringing events and stories to life. Ludwig van Beethoven didn’t go anywhere without one, just in case inspiration struck while he was out. Benjamin Franklin carried a pocket notebook to chart his moral progress on his “13 virtues” character development plan. The best ideas, solutions and thoughts will always come when you least expect them. Therefore, you will want to carry your notebook to ensure that they are always ready when a brilliant thought comes to mind.
WHAT MAKES OUR NOTEBOOKS SO SPECIAL?
1. Premium Fabrics
Our fabric notebooks are covered in classic Merino Wool fabric from the world-renowned Fox Brothers & Co. Our use of such a unique and high-quality fabric to cover our notebooks truly make them statement pieces.
The Fox Brothers Cloth is woven in Somerset to the highest possible standards, using the finest raw materials. We have chosen Fox Brothers cloth as it is a company known the world over for their quality fabrics, having been producing cloth for more than 250 years.
2. Exceptional Finish
Our premium grained leather notebooks are finished with gold protective corners creating a first-class look and feel. For the ultimate writing experience, we use only British milled, fountain pen friendly paper that has been gilded in gold and hand-bound to allow for the notebook to lie flat.
3. Ready To Gift
All our premium fabric and leather notebooks come with a gold fold bellyband sleeve. Our notebooks also come packaged in our classic black gift box with the iconic Rampley&Co. signature logo.
These premium finishing touches make for the perfect gift to your loved ones this Christmas.
SHOP OUR NEW PREMIUM NOTEBOOK COLLECTION