Writing a Day Keeps the Doctor Away

Writing is something most of us do every day. We text our friends, write school notes, make to-do lists, and post on social media. We may not think much of it, but writing is actually one of the best things we can do for brain health. In fact, a new study shows that engaging in intellectual activities like reading, writing, and learning a new language are associated with an almost 40% lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.

So what makes writing so good for our brains? Let’s explore the different ways writing supports brain health.

Writing improves memory

When you write something down, you are more likely to remember it, and not only because of the post-it note you write it on and stick to your fridge.

This is especially true when writing by hand. Handwriting forces your brain to slow down. You must concentrate on each word and coordinate your hand movements. This leads to deeper focus and helps your brain form stronger connections.

Research also shows that people who read or write have better memory scores overall. Writing strengthens working memory, which is the ability to hold and use information in your mind. Writing regularly helps train this skill.

Writing improves thinking skills

Writing helps organize your thoughts and teaches you the skill of organizing them. You can learn critical thinking through writing—the ability to connect and prioritize relevant ideas over irrelevant ones to the topic you are writing about.

For example, when writing an article on Fika, you must organize your thoughts clearly if you want your readers to be able to follow along. To plan your introduction, the igniting spark that sends your reader off on a journey through the body of your text, the part that carries them deeper into the topic, and then the conclusion, which sums up your ideas and leaves the reader with the final answer to a specific question or sends them off with even more questions stirring in their minds. Writing is thinking. And writing regularly is learning to think.

Writing lowers the risk of dementia

As mentioned at the start of this article, one main benefit of reading and writing may be that they lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Research found that people who could not read or write were almost three times as likely to have dementia. Another study found that people who stayed mentally active by reading, writing, or learning new skills like languages were 38% less likely to have dementia.

Scientists believe reading and writing (and other mentally challenging activities) help strong connections develop between brain cells, creating what science calls “cognitive reserves.” Cognitive reserve helps the brain handle damage better as we age.

Although writing regularly does not necessarily prevent dementia completely, it may help delay it and reduce risk.

Writing helps manage emotions

Next time you feel stressed, try writing. Writing regularly is great for mental health and emotional health.

As Emily Johnston, a writing studies professor at UC Merced, says:

She says labeling our emotions is a great way to understand them and move from a fight-or-flight response to a meaning-making mindset.

Next time you have an argument with a friend, take a moment to write your thoughts and feelings down. This will help you hit the pause button. When you write about your feelings, your brain goes from feeling only that strong emotion to thinking about it and considering what that feeling is.

Once you create space for your feelings, you can respond more calmly.

Writing reduces mental clutter

Our brains can get messy sometimes. We often have many tasks and worries in our minds at once.

Although chaos can be inspiring, occasionally, your workspace needs a thorough cleaning. Writing is the way to go.

A great exercise to try is writing “morning pages," an exercise Julia Cameron writes about in her book The Artist's Way. Morning pages are three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing done each day immediately after waking up. Try it yourself to clear mental clutter, help get rid of writer’s block, and get your mind in writing mode.

Writing can also give you a sense of control

When life feels busy and you have too much on your plate, a to-do list can do wonders. Instead of trying to do everything at once, put it all on paper and tackle things one at a time. This reduces mental clutter. Try it yourself next time you feel overwhelmed.

Make writing and reading a daily habit

These small writing habits can make a big difference for your brain health. Studies show that people exposed to books, newspapers, libraries, and learning activities from a young age have better brain health later in life. Being read to as a child, learning another language, and visiting museums all count as mental enrichment. Writing keeps the brain flexible and active.

Brain health is affected by many factors, including exercise, diet, sleep, and genetics. However, writing regularly is a simple habit anyone can practice. It is never too late to start.

What to write?

You do not have to write long essays or books to get the benefits discussed in this article. Simply writing counts.

• You can keep a journal.

• You can write short reflections about your day.

• You can write stories, poems, or song lyrics.

• You can write letters or thoughtful text messages.

• You can make lists or plans.

The key is to engage your brain in meaningful thought.

Writing has changed forms, but more people write today than ever before. We may type more than we handwrite. We may communicate through messages instead of letters. But writing is still everywhere. We text, email, and write something every day. Every time you put thoughts into words, you exercise your brain.

Long term, writing supports memory, thinking skills, and emotional control. It strengthens brain connections and may even delay serious diseases like Alzheimer’s. It helps you slow down, reflect, and make better decisions. It allows you to understand your feelings and solve problems more clearly.

Remember, your brain is like a muscle. The more you use it in healthy ways, the stronger it becomes. Writing is one of the simplest and best workouts you can give your brain. Whether you are 15 or 75, picking up a pen or opening a blank document is one small thing you can do today that can have lifelong benefits. Start your writing habit on Fika.