Before anything else, yes, I do need to clear up that I’ve mentioned this in a previous blog. To be more specific, the blog concerning a few tips to study in a more focused manner, where I put “having a notebook” as one of the tips. However, I feel like this is one of the more important tips from there and so I’m isolating it over on this blog. Today, I’ll be discussing the many benefits, the amazing reasons, and the few disadvantages of carrying a notebook around. And so without any further ado, let’s dwell on the topic of having a notebook around with you at all times.
If you’re a student, this notebook is going to be one of, if not your absolute best friend. There are many rational reasons which I will now list down with why you should have a notebook to write everything on. Number one’s there already, so that you have somewhere to write everything on. Sometimes, your brain is not the most efficient storage system, especially if you’re working in a very active environment. No one’s memory is a hundred per cent reliable. Therefore, it’s difficult to carry all the information you have up there. The notebook comes into play here: whether it be random ideas, grocery lists, people to call, reminders or whatever, you’ll be able to put it down on your notebook. A good upside to this is that your writing materials can be found almost everywhere, but I’d specifically advise you to have your own pencil or pen with your notebook for a more personal feel. All up to you, though. Another reason to have a notebook with you is that disconnecting is good for your brain, this reason being somewhat an addition the first one. Not only is storing so much stuff in your brain bad for you in the way that it leads to energy saps and burnouts quicker, but it will actually affect your mental health more than you think. Go get that notebook for your mind now! This third reason to have a notebook will actually discuss why the notes app on your phone isn’t going to be the same as having your personal writing notebook. Handwriting over typing, in every single case, especially when it comes to choosing between your notebook or your phone. Not only does handwriting help your brain process more information, but typing actually helps you to become lazy. I might explore that topic in a future blog, so stay tuned, but for now, all I have to say is that typing decreases your willpower when it comes to doing things for the reason that it makes your brain wrongly perceive something as easy. If those aren’t enough reasons to convince you to find a notebook in your house right now, these next paragraphs should.
Let’s talk benefits. What are the good things and effects that notebooks bring you? One is the sense of accomplishment. By writing stuff down, it’s a known fact that over 94% of people feel more productive. And since you’re here, reading my blogs which pertain to efficiency and productivity, I’m going to assume that’s what you’re going for. Another benefit is that you can use this notebook for absolutely everything mentally. If you’re a student or a worker, you never know when you might think of a solution to your problem at work, or whenever you’re gonna find out who the best group mate in your class is. If you’re a writer or a gamer, you never know when inspiration’s gonna hit you, or when you’re going to find a strategy for the level you just can’t seem to beat. In any of these cases, write it down. You don’t even have to fall in any of the four categories to own a notebook because notebooks are literally for everyone. I’ll give you another advantage of having a notebook: this will help you organize your life. By reading this article on notebook, I’m also going to possibly introduce you to the concept of bullet journaling. You can find more details on that online, but I’d like to focus on one of those aspects when it comes to the journaling world: keeping track of your habits. Basically called scheduling, keeping tracks of your habits helps you to keep track of what you have and have not been doing throughout the day, week, month, or even year. This helps you to know what things are taking too much of your time, what things you need to do more and others! This leads to the conclusion that notebooks help organize your life.
But what about the other side of this scale, the one that holds the disadvantages? Here’s the thing, there’s little to no downsides in owning a notebook. I’d say that after considering everything, it’s only the amount of space it takes that’s going to probably catch your eye. I mean this in the way that notebooks are definitely going to take up space in your handbag or backpack. A good solution to this is to just hold it. It’s going to make you look official and organized, but it’s also going to take up some space in your hands. No worries, though, for it is such a small price to pay in exchange for the betterness of your life.
I hope this blog today has helped you in deciding whether you should get a notebook or not. Many notebooks outside are super cheap and can be found anywhere, and you may already even have some lying in your house. Put them to use and get on with it! I’ve had my personal notebook a little over a year now, and I’ve got to tell you that it’s worked wonders for me. Please consider doing this for your wellbeing, creativity, and in a way, mental health. Until next blog! —
Jon Zaccary C. Regala, Grade 10
