To-do lists in all forms are a simple, yet effective tool for enabling us to feel more organised and grounded. There has always been the digital v paper debate when it comes to planners or to-do lists, something that has divided the planner community. The digital world is at our fingertips, we have access to anything and everything right in our pocket, but writing down your tasks and plans on paper has so many benefits.
These are 7 best reasons why you should start using a paper to-do list:
1. Writing to-do lists helps memory
Writing is an engaging process for your brain unlike using a digital list creating lists by hand improves our memory. It is proven that it is much easier to recall things you have written down which means you are less likely to forget important tasks.
When you have a clear plan on paper, it shows intention and provides you with accountability for tasks you need to complete. Writing a to-do list, putting pen to paper is making a commitment by getting things done. Writing a to-do list will help to declutter your brain. When you see a clear plan of completed and incomplete tasks will help you to get more organised and stay mentally focused.
2. Ticking off tasks is motivating and satisfying
It can be so off putting when you are staring down at this list of tasks; sometimes, you just want to run and hide! Once you start working your through your tasks, being able to tick or cross off a task can be encouraging and motivating – you then have the drive to complete more. You then get a huge sense of achievement at the end of the day.
If you ask people why they use paper to-do lists, a lot of people say they get satisfaction and gratification from checking off those tasks. For me, having a list of tasks and even being able to check off 2 or 3 can be very encouraging when my chronic illness is playing havoc with my body. So, every day I feel like I have achieved something.
Related to: 8 tips for productivity when you have a chronic illness
3. No battery or signal is needed
Digital to-do lists can have their benefits. However, you are limited when it comes to your phone or device’s battery life or even the signal for the internet.
With a paper to-do list, you don’t have to worry about any of these problems. Paper and a pen ca be used anywhere at any time. You relinquish dependency on your devices and avoid any unnecessary stress when your laptop crashes, have forgotten your charger or simply have no signal, where the likely panic will set in. Using a paper to-do list allows me to plan my days without any glitches and I can reach for my list at any time.
4. You are less likely to be distracted
Using a digital to-do list can be great, but a big flow can be distracting. How many times have you been working on your phone or laptop and been distracted by a notification? You get notified of an email or a social media notification ad you check it… before you know it, 15-20 minutes have passed whereas using a paper to-do list means that there is nothing that can stop you utilising your list (if you keep your phone away!). You can write down your tasks, live in the moment an set your intentions.
Read: 15 tips to beat procrastination
5. Reduces your screen time and the need for to-do list apps
Our lives are heavily technology based, using our phones for banking, appointments, alarm reminders and shopping. Having some screen free time should be part of your daily and weekly routines. It can be easy to spend long periods of time especially if you are sucked into binge watching your favourite shows. Unfortunately, all this prolonged screen time ca really impact your physical health and leave you with eye strain. Having my to-do list on paper and offline allows me to stay focused, gives my eyes a chance to rest.
There are so many variations of to-do list apps, all of which promise to have all the ‘bells and whistles’ to make you super productive for a cost within the app. You can sync the latest app to your devices, calendars and emails. There can be certain benefits to apps that are well-designed; however, there is a huge benefit to keeping things simple when you have a busy life.
The virtue of having paper to-do lists is that they ooze simplicity. You don’t have storage space to download the app and update it. You just need to grab your pen and your favourite to-do list pad or notebook. So simple!
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
6. Gives you a sense of calm and an opportunity to de-stress
Planning my week on a Sunday gives me that time ‘me time’, the chance to list all my tasks, plans and reminders and offload them from my mind, bringing me a sense of calm. I know exactly what I need to do and where I need to be each day.
Using a paper to-do list gives you the perfect opportunity to take a quiet moment and plan your week in a calming environment. It means that you slow down and reduce your stress; taking the time to use a paper to-do list allows you to be intentional with your time. In addition, ensuring you reduce levels of anxiety and mentally focusing you to achieve your goals without distractions.
7. You get to buy and use pretty stationery
As you all know, I am a HUGE stationery lover and if you are like me, you don’t need any excuse to shop for cute stationery! In order to write an effective to-do list, you need to have a to-do list pad or a notebook that you enjoy using to increase the desire to tackle those tasks. Whether you pick a pad for the design, a planner for the features or because they are Instagram worthy, choosing beautiful stationery can motivate you to be productive, organised and afford stationery addicts both joy and a positive experience.
These are some positive benefits that you can gain from deciding to opt for a paper to-do list rather than a digital one or planner app. It is important to find a planning or organising system that works for you, your lifestyle and makes you the productive.
Do you use a paper to-do list or do you prefer a digital version? I’d love to hear in the comments.
Paper to do list, for some reason it’s just therapeutic 🤷♀️🌺
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First of all this blog idea is excellent!
I am amazed
secondly, I love the information shared by you. Using a paper especially a used paper is a great idea.
I generally use pamphlets given with the newspaper to write things before going out. That helps me to stay away from the phone and also I really think it’s a good idea to write things as it keeps the brain healthy.
Best wishes Lauren!
There’s a reason why shopping lists were always written on paper! 🛒
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I always use a paper to do list. It helps me to have it visible while I am working, and I love the satisfaction of checking things off the list.
It feels good being able to check things off. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I like the fact that it I’d less distracting to write your to-dos on a paper. Paper is therapy. I just love it!
This is spot on. I feel more satisfied using paper. I enjoy it more writing on paper than my journal app. And I’m working on it.
That’s great! Thank you for reading and commenting.
I always have a nice notebook on hand to write my to do list on; I really prefer doing it on paper and ticking things off! I think anything that can reduce screen time too is a plus.
That’s great you like to use paper to-do lists. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love using both, but I do see your point about paper ones. I prefer to have a big one online using Trello and then making daily to do lists on paper to work from for all the reasons stated above.
If I don’t write a list I am totally lost 🙃
Yes to this!!!! I’ve only really just started writing to-do lists and I defiantly find ticking them off really motivational and satisfying. Im loving these reasons and I think I’m defiantly going to keep writing everything down as it defiantly helps memory wise also. Thank you so much for sharing this post with us lovely Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
I am glad you found this post relatable and it is great you are finding paper to-do lists are working for you. Thank you for reading and commenting. X
I love this! I definitely think paper to do lists are the way forward, they improve your memory so much and it feels so good to tick those items off one by one! I can never say no to pretty stationery too, haha. Thank you so much for sharing x
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I love paper to-do lists! I find writing tasks down does help me remember and stay more motivated to check off each item, and I love that I can easily reach for paper lists whenever I need them. Your last point made me chuckle too! 🙂
Thank you for reading and commenting. X
We could not agree more with this post! Paper To-Do lists always ensure accountability. Thank you for sharing!
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You’re welcome, and anytime!
I definitely do prefer a paper to-do list, especially when it comes to blogging. I like to write things down as I forget about a to-do list in Notes on my phone! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Sounds like you have a good system that works for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I agree with all of your points! I am an analog nerd too. 🤓
These are amazing benefits of using a paper to-do list, especially the reduction in screen time and less distraction. I only recently started using a bullet journal and paper to-do list again. I love the feeling of getting my thoughts and tasks out on paper and checking things off.
It can be so beneficial to clear your head. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love having a paper to do list so I can cross things off that I’ve accomplished. I sometimes will add things to the list I did earlier in the day, just to quickly check them off again. LOL.
Crystal | http://www.amazingbaby.app
I am glad you were able to relate to this post. Thank you for reading and commenting.
If it’s not on paper, I already know it’s not gonna happen lol. I loveee stationary + bright colors so my work space is covered with different sticky’s for different things. The satisfaction of crossing something off 😳 let me go check a few things off now! Thanks for this read
I love stationery and so paper lists have always been my go to. I do use the calendar on my phone for appointments as a reminder. But looking forward to starting my new planner in July.
I use both! For myself, I use a paper To Do list for all the reasons you’ve outlined above. But I also use Google Docs/Sheets and Trello for client work as it’s easy for everyone to see what we’re all doing and we can collaborate more easily online.
That makes sense Lisa. It is great you have a system that works for you. Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a great month!
I mostly use a paper to-do list! It is a great memory boost – I usually remember stuff after I add it to the list, and adding it to the list also helps me stop circling it in my mind. I also like using fun gel pens and a pretty notebook, and find ticking things off SO SATISFYING. In a lot of apps the completed tasks disappear and then you can’t see what you’ve already done. Great post!
Colleen | ChooseYourUni.ca
It is great you can relate to this post. Thank you for reading and commenting.
My only issue with a paper to-do list is that I can’t always read my own handwriting and my spelling sucks, so I’ll always need a screen to check my spelling. But that’s just me
It is not for everyone. But it is good you have found something that works for you.
Love this post! I totally agree with everything you wrote. I have an old fashioned spiral day planner where I can write things down and cross them out it helps me to get perspective. I also use Trello to keep track of things overall but on a day to day basis, old fashioned TO DO lists are best! Thanks for sharing!
It is great you can relate to paper based planning. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Great post Lauren! As great as technology can be, I like sticking to good ol’ paper. It’s less distracting, simple and to the point, and you don’t have to worry about battery life. Thank you for sharing!
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While I do have online calendars, my immediate to do list for personal stuff if I’m heading out and about is paper. So much easier to hold and use while going round a shop than getting a phone out all the time
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I’m a digital to-do lister through and through although I just use the notes app on my phone, I always have. I’ve never downloaded any fancy app. Admittedly though, I would like the benefit of the less screen time from using a paper to-do list although obviously I can get less screen time from other things. These are great pointers!
It sounds like you have a system that works for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
For the most part, I keep my to-do list in my head. I agree with what you said about paper being superior, but I have such bad handwriting that I have trouble knowing what I wrote.
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I love stationery and writing, and am generally a bit old school, so I much prefer a paper to do list.
It is great you can relate to this blog post. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Thank you for your post. I certainly agree that the to do list can give us a sense of being more organized in our lives. I love the idea of a notebook with a hand written to do list in it, but my handwriting is not worthy of the aesthetic of that paper notebook. I also grew weary of moving to do items from one page to the next when I tried the paper route. I have gone completely digital with my to do list, but the dopamine hit of checking that box is still there and keeps me motivated to move on to that next task. I think the tools we use should make the processes we have fun, whether that be a digital application or a beautiful notebook of hand written notes.
It sounds like you have a good system that works for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I’ve always been a physical to-do lister. I always write everything down physically before moving it to digital!
It is good you found a system that worked well for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Great points in favor of paper lists! Writing out my to-do list each night helps me unwind and set my intention for the next day.
That’s great you have found paper to-do lists work for you. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love having a paper planner and each day a paper to-do list. .I tried back in my 9-5 to do digital to-do lists as it was a department expectation to use a joint to do list app for projects, but honestly I found myself writing it out anyway! Crossing things off the list is one of my favourite things and it gives me such joy to create the boxes and tick them off.
Yes it is so motivating to check things off. I love using stationery. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I love to do a paper to-do list. I try to do one at the beginning of the week. That way I know what I need to do during the week. Thank you for sharing.
It is great you can relate to using paper to-do lists. Thank you for reading and commenting.
I always found writing a to do list to be more helpful, especially dealing with school. Great post!
TheQuietGirl | http://www.quietgirlblog.com
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These are all great reasons! I find that writing instead of typing does help me remember things much better.
That’s great. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Thank you for a great list of reasons. I have just made the switch to an online to do list and this post is making me reconsider!
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I actually prefer paper to-do lists, especially ones for cleaning! I have a lot of to-do lists in my planner 🙂
That’s awesome! I think paper is best!
I agree with this 100%! Paper to-do lists are so much more satisfying, and also easier to carry around. Great post!
Thanks for sharing, I do a mixture of paper lists and typed lists as sometimes I forgot to look at both, so I have a least one then I know what I have to do 🙂
It is good you have a system that works for you! Thank you for reading and commenting.
I think there’s a time and a place for both digital and paper to do lists. I prefer my daily’s on paper and my more weekly or monthly plannings online. Also, when I’m bound to forget things, paper works way better!
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So true. I honestly use both paper and digital. Paper has helped in various ways especially when it comes to checking off what has been accomplished. 😊 Thank you for sharing 😊
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
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My favorite thing to do