How can I make the switch from handwriting notes to typing them effectively?
I’m currently 24 and have struggled with severe OCD since childhood, which has affected me in numerous ways, including my approach to notetaking. Like many people, I tend to retain information better when I’m jotting down notes by hand. I believe this is due to the increased thoughtfulness and focus that comes with manually writing out each word and letter—making it more likely for the information to stick.
However, my OCD has made notetaking an incredibly time-consuming task. I often find myself spending hours on a single paragraph, which is incredibly frustrating. I vividly remember in elementary school, I would end up tearing out pages from my notebooks because a single word or letter wasn’t perfect, reducing the thickness of my notebooks in a matter of hours. It was exhausting back then, but as a child, I had the luxury of time. Now that I’m an adult with a job, my time is much more valuable. I’ve completely abandoned handwritten notes because this issue affects any format I try, whether it’s on paper or my iPad. I even explored apps that convert handwritten notes into typed text, but found them more distracting than helpful.
Now, I’m attempting to transition to typing my notes, but I’m concerned that they won’t engage me in the same way as handwriting does, and I worry about their effectiveness for memorization. Does anyone have tips or strategies to help me adapt to typing notes?
It’s great that you’re open to trying new methods of note-taking, especially given the challenges you’ve faced. Here are some strategies that might help you transition to typing notes in a way that maintains your engagement and aids in memorization:
Use a Structured Format: Organize your notes with headings, bullet points, and indentations. This can create a clear structure that helps your mind categorize the information, similar to how you might have done with handwritten notes.
Incorporate Visual Elements: Use tools like diagrams, flowcharts, or mind maps that you can create digitally. Visuals can complement typed notes and can help you conceptualize the material, making it more engaging.
Active Learning Techniques: While typing, try to paraphrase information instead of transcribing it verbatim. Summarizing in your own words can deepen your understanding and improve recall.
Highlight and Color Code: Use different colors or highlight important points as you type. This can mimic the physical act of underlining or using colored pens when handwriting, adding a layer of engagement.
Incorporate Multimedia: If you’re using platforms that allow it, add images, links, or videos related to the content. These additional resources can enhance your learning and make the process more interactive.
Set Time Limits: Give yourself a specific timeframe for taking notes to reduce the tendency to strive for perfection. For example, challenge yourself to capture as much key information as possible in 20 minutes.
Practice Typing: As you get more comfortable with typing, it may become more engaging. Consider trying typing techniques or software that can make this process more enjoyable and less laborious.
Utilize Note-Taking Apps: Consider apps designed for effective typing notes, such as Notion, Evernote, or OneNote. Many come with features that allow you to organize thoughts easily and even collaborate with others.
Review and Revise: Once you’ve typed your notes, set aside time to review and refine them. This will give you the opportunity to reinforce the material and create a sense of completion with each set of notes.
Combine Methods: You don’t have to abandon handwriting altogether. Consider typing most of your notes but interspersing handwritten elements, like key formulas, personal reflections, or highlights of particularly important thoughts.
Finding a balance that works for you will take time and experimentation, but being flexible and open to new methods can lead to a system that fits your needs better while helping you manage your OCD. Good luck!