The average adult sends or receives more than 100 emails and and Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 exhange more than 100 texts each day. But the average household receives only 10 handwritten notes every year. It turns out there are a few good reasons why you should go old school with more snail mail!
Emails, texts, and social media messages cost us little. They’re quick to write, basically free to send, and each of us send hundreds of them every day. But new studies indicate that there are greater benefits in old school handwritten notes.
Digital communications are not unique. But handwritten notes are. It requires thought to write without the convenience of font choices, spell check or autocorrect. Finding the right card or stationery, expressing thoughts in writing, addressing the envelope, adding a stamp and getting it into a mailbox is an investment of time and energy.
While expressing gratitude is important, the real value in a handwritten note is that it demonstrates deeper care and appreciation than a text or email. Taking the time to say thank you, follow up on a conversation, or just let someone know that you're thinking about that person carries its own meaning. These simple expressions of gratitude, investment or remembrance communicate that other people are important to you.
As an added bonus, studies show that those who express gratitude also benefit by experiencing better health and sleep, less anxiety, and more life satisfaction. A professor at Kent State University at Salem, asked participants to compose three “letters of gratitude” over the span of a month. They could write to anyone, as long as the content was positive. With each letter, the senders experienced higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction, and lower levels of depression.
Gratitude lives within each of us, but when we intentionally tap into it, we experience the positive psychological and physical benefits. So, take a few minutes today and write a note to someone in your corner of the world… a family member, friend, or a colleague. It’s a little like gift wrapping your thoughts to demonstrate that you care.
#gratitude #brainboost
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