Why writing and receiving handwritten letters is good for our mental health

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week 12th-18th May and I thought what better time to write about something quietly wonderful for our minds and moods – the humble handwritten letter. I know I’m probably a little biased about the magic of putting pen to paper. But I really believe that whether you’re writing a note to say thanks, a scribble to check in on someone, or a detailed letter filled with feelings, this simple act can seriously lift spirits – for both the sender AND the lucky person on the receiving end.

So I’ve had a little delve into some scientific research and it seems that there is plenty of evidence out there to prove that writing and receiving letters does indeed make you feel better. Discover why phycologists believe in the art of the handwritten letter.

Handwriting a note or letter helps you to slow down

We live life at 100mph most days, don’t we? Constant pings, unread messages, fast scrolling. But writing a letter forces us to slow right down. It’s intentional. You can’t just fire off a quick reply. You’ve got to think, feel, and focus. It’s oddly soothing – like a little mindful pocket of quiet in your day.

And science backs this up. Neuroscientists at Princeton University found that writing by hand activates areas of the brain linked to emotion and memory far more effectively than typing. This deep cognitive engagement creates a sense of intimacy and authenticity – making the recipient feel genuinely seen and valued. Receiving a letter makes you feel good There’s something beautifully personal about receiving a handwritten letter. It says: I thought about you. I made time for you. You can keep it, hold it, reread it. It’s not fleeting.

As American psychologist Mark Travers put it so perfectly: “Imagine sorting through your post, dealing with bills and subscriptions, only to come across a handwritten letter from a loved one. It’s a delightful surprise that fills you with both excitement and gratitude, knowing that someone cares enough to take the time and write you a letter.”

He adds that while social media friendships happen in the background of multi-tasking, letter-writing friendships demand a singular focus. They invite us to slow down, reflect, and really connect – with each other and ourselves. And clearly, a lot of people agree. A Royal Mail study carried out during the pandemic found that a whopping 74% of people felt writing letters had positive mental health benefits.

The Science of Gratitude

Let’s talk about thank-you notes for a second. A study published in Psychological Science found that writing a handwritten thank-
you doesn’t just cheer up the recipient- it’s a mood booster for the sender too. The research, led by Amit Kumar and Nicholas Epley, showed that people consistently underestimate how powerful their words of appreciation can be.

Keeping the joy of letter writing alive

If all this has you itching to grab a pen, you’re not alone. There’s even a real-life Handwritten Letter Appreciation Society here in the UK, devoted to keeping this beautiful form of communication alive. It’s all about slowing down, connecting more deeply, and celebrating the personal power of putting ink to paper.

So here’s my gentle nudge: write a letter this week. Doesn’t have to be long or poetic- just real. A note to a friend, a thank-you to your neighbour, a hello to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while. Because mental health isn’t always about the grand gestures. Sometimes it’s a simple envelope, a stamp, and a little bit of thinking.

Pollyanna x