So you’ve decided to try & improve your handwriting, make it look a little less like a spider has crawled across the page & lets just say more legible.
We’ve all heard the arguments about technology taking over & that handwriting is no longer important. Maybe it’s a generation thing but I’m sure I’m not alone finding it faster & easier to jot down a note with a pen than reaching for the mobile & tapping the keypad.
1. Posture
When practicing, sitting at a table is better than in your favourite armchair or sofa. You’ll be able to sit up with a straight back, your feet planted on the floor with uncrossed legs. Next relax your hand & arm, it’s an idea to loosen up by twisting your wrist a few times & do a few stretching exercises as writing will also use muscles in the shoulders & forearms. Avoid writing to the left of your palm (more likely if your left handed) as this is likely to give you cramp. If this is something you are inclined to get there are a wide range of ergonomic pens available to help.
2. Watch Your Speed
Something many people do (me included) is write as if they’re in a race against the clock. By taking time to concentrate on every letter you will see much better results.
3. Doodle
Practice your scribbles, this will help train the hand & eye to work together, it can have the added benefit of providing a little light relief if you’ve had a stressful day or meeting.
4. Keep a Diary or Journal
Whether it’s keeping a note of the days events or recording your innermost thoughts a daily diary or journal entry will give you good reason to practise your writing. Just a few minutes little & often will not only help improve your penmanship but could provide health benefits like improving emotional well being or reducing stress.
5. Loosen Your Grip
It can be tempting to hold the pen too tightly. Rather than squeezing the barrel imagine your pen is a quill that may break & lightly pull it across the page.
When trying to improve your handwriting it may look worse before it gets better but with practice & perseverance you’re sure to achieve a style that you are happy with.
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