Title: Tips for Taking Effective Typed Notes Instead of Handwriting
Hi everyone! I’m 24 and have struggled with severe OCD since childhood. It has taken many forms over the years, but one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is with notetaking. Like many, I find that handwritten notes help me remember better—probably because the process requires me to be more intentional and mindful about every word and letter I write down. This repetition seems to create a stronger memory link.
Unfortunately, my OCD makes this process incredibly time-consuming. I often spend hours taking notes but end up with only a paragraph’s worth of content. Back in elementary school, I would tear through notebooks, reducing them to half their size because I constantly started over whenever a word or letter didn’t look perfect. While that was exhausting as a child, I had more time back then. As a working adult now, I realize how valuable my time is.
I’ve moved away from handwritten notes completely due to this issue, whether in a paper notebook or on my iPad. I even tried some apps that convert handwritten notes to typed text, but they ended up being more distracting than helpful.
Now, I’m exploring the idea of typing my notes, but I’m concerned they won’t engage me as effectively as handwriting does, and I worry about their impact on my memory retention. If anyone has advice or strategies for making the most of typed notes, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
It’s great that you’re considering typing notes as a way to manage your OCD and increase your efficiency. Here are a few strategies that might help you adjust to typing notes while still facilitating retention and understanding:
Use Structure and Formatting: Unlike handwritten notes, typing allows for easy formatting. Utilize bullet points, headings, bold text, and colors to differentiate concepts, which can make the notes more visually engaging and easier to navigate later.
Incorporate Active Learning: Instead of just typing out what you hear or read, try summarizing the information in your own words. This not only helps you process the material better but also encourages deeper engagement with the content.
Leverage Technology: There are several apps that can enhance your typing experience. For example, tools like Notion or Microsoft OneNote allow for organization in a way that can mimic the way you might layout handwritten notes, but with additional multimedia elements like images and links.
Use Voice-to-Text Features: If typing feels too detached, consider voice-to-text options. Speaking your notes can engage you more deeply and facilitate the same active processing you might feel with handwriting.
Practice Mindful Typing: Try to approach typing with the same mindfulness you apply to handwritten notes. Focus on being present while typing and consciously choose your wording, which can help create that engagement.
Set Time Limits: To avoid perfectionism, set a timer for how long you’ll take to type a section of notes. This can help you work efficiently and prevent spending too much time on a single idea.
Review and Revise: Allow yourself to type freely during the initial note-taking phase. After your session, take some time to review and revise what you’ve written. This method can help you engage with the content without getting bogged down in perfectionism initially.
Explore Digital Flashcards: For memorization, consider creating digital flashcards (e.g., Anki or Quizlet) based on your typed notes. This method incorporates spaced repetition, which is highly effective for retention.
Gradual Transition: If you’re still struggling with the shift, start by typing short summaries or key points rather than full notes. This can help you slowly adapt to typing without feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, the goal isn’t to reproduce the exact experience of handwriting but to find a system that works for you while accommodating your OCD. It may take some time, but with practice, you can develop an effective note-taking routine that feels comfortable and supportive for your learning style. Good luck!