Create Memories With a Pen

It seems that these days, just about everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, which means everyone just about everywhere has a camera on them wherever they go. It’s no wonder that it has become second nature for most people to whip out their phone the moment they see something interesting so they can take a picture or video. But a number of experts have said that relying on our devices to do all the remembering might result in us returning from vacation with actually fewer memories of the sights we saw.

Conversely, studies have suggested that drawing a picture has the opposite effect. By simultaneously using both of our eyes and our sense of touch, we interact with what we see as we transfer it onto paper. This helps us to retain the memory of what we’ve seen. This suggests that we may create better memories by creating graphic arts memoirs, rather than photo albums of our trips.

Additionally, drawing can provide a real memory boost. Researchers from the University of Waterloo in Canada say that drawing is a great way to remember anything, not just scenery. Researchers conducted an experiment where participants were asked to either write out a word, listen to audio information about it, or draw a picture of the item. All the groups tested in the study retained memories best by drawing them, and the researchers noted that the effect was especially prominent in older adults.

Drawing and other forms of art provide great brain exercise, and a boost to overall health. Seniors who participate in arts programs report an overall higher rating of physical health, fewer doctor visits, less medication use, and fewer other health problems.