The Psychology Of A Handwritten Card: How It Benefits Both The Sender And The Receiver

Each day, new experiences blossom throughout our life that we want to adore forever. That’s why Thought Catalog is partnering with Papyrus, so any moment can be one to remember and share with those we love.

Someone recently quoted to me that “life is a collection of experiences,” meaning that life is bursting full of moments that are meant to be cherished, prized, and remembered. Immediately our minds go to milestone moments: birthdays, weddings, holidays, etc. But this “collection of experiences” goes even beyond that–helping your neighbor with the groceries and then staying for iced tea on the porch; holding your niece for the first time and watching your sister beam; being the first member of your family to graduate high school or college or graduate school; connecting with a new friend after a poetry reading; connecting with an old friend on the sidewalk. The list goes on and on, but all of this to say: how do we capture these bits of beauty that make us feel alive? One of the most fulfilling ways is through writing or receiving a card that encapsulates our thoughts forever.

Picture this: you’ve just reconnected with an old friend and you’re still feeling elated the next day thinking about your old memories together. You go to your local store and peek at the card aisle. Scanning the rows, you find a card that gleams at you as it brings that friendship to the forefront of your mind with artwork or a phrase you know would touch their heart. So, you add it to your cart and as you leave, you’re giddy just thinking about sending it off, anxiously awaiting the excitement your friend will have the moment it arrives in their mailbox.

Did you know that dedicating time to random acts of kindness and frequently expressing gratitude both lead to an uptick in overall happiness for both the giver and the receiver? Not to mention, card writing engages multiple sections of our brain that improve memory, spatial awareness, and calm our nervous system from emitting stressors. That’s why writing cards to our loved ones is the perfect way to boost dopamine levels in both parties and improve our minds, while also documenting a memory that you can both keep close and hold onto always.

As the sender, think about the joy you feel when pouring your thoughts, memories, and emotions into a card for someone you know and care for. There’s nothing like it. Writing by hand gives us the ability to let our minds explore and tap into our imagination. We can dot our i’s with hearts, turn our exclamation points into smiley faces, and doodle in the margins. Writing cards brings such a unique and wholesome touch to sharing our sentiments with a loved one. Then comes the happiness we feel when sealing the envelope shut, adding a stamp, and sending it off, knowing it’s going to make someone’s day brighter than it was before.

On the receiving end, getting a card is just as joyous, if not more. Our card arrives in the mail, a bright spot tucked between bills and fliers, piquing our interest during a task that’s usually mundane. We get to tear open that envelope, see who it’s from, admire the charming art on the front, and then finally, read what is written inside.

Did you know that receiving a handwritten card from someone you love is proven to alleviate feelings of isolation and depression? There’s a certain intimacy and affection that comes from having a moment alone with the words written inside a card. We get an insight into our loved one’s feelings through reading their thoughts and seeing their own quirky handwritten words, which can make us feel so much closer to them. We feel so loved and nurtured because they took the time to pick out the right card, write down what they felt, and mail it specifically to us. We get an insight into our loved one’s sentiments and quirky handwritten words, making us feel so much closer to them. We feel so loved and nurtured because they took the time to pick out the right card, write down what they felt, and mail it specifically to us. It leaves the receiver feeling appreciated and looked after, adding a warmth to their heart and their day that was not there prior. Not to mention, the connection it fosters between the sender and the receiver, making them feel closer than ever before.

There are few things in life that fill our hearts so easily as writing or receiving a handwritten note. So the next time someone is on your mind, go the extra mile and send them a card. Out of hundreds of card options, pick the one you know will resonate with them. Open it up and write to them from your heart. Dot your i’s with hearts; turn your exclamation points into smiley faces. Be creatively caring–it’ll go farther than you think.

Brighten someone’s daily mail shuffle today by finding your next card at Papyrus.

Sources:

• Science Mag – Spending Money on Others Promotes Happiness
  – APA PsycNet – A little good goes an unexpectedly long way: Underestimating the positive impact of kindness on recipients
• Psychology Today – Handwritten Thank You Notes Have Surprising Consequences
• Top Education Degrees – Proven Reasons To Write By Hand
• Wall Street Journal – How Handwriting Trains The Brain
• APA PsycNet – The Pleasures of Uncertainty: Prolonging Positive Moods in Ways People Do Not Anticipate
• Thinking of You Week Interview with Dr. Lynda Shaw
• Sage Pub Journal
• Ebscohost Journal