Snail Mail Isn’t Just For Boomers. It's The Heartfelt Gesture Everyone Should Be Doing
Snail Mail Isn’t Just For Boomers. It's The Heartfelt Gesture Everyone Should Be Doing
What’s this? A handwritten letter—in today’s day and age? Okay, grandma, thanks for the gesture, but you can catch us on WhatsApp next time. And thus begins the common sentiment around snail mail, the heartfelt activity that youngsters everywhere denounce as an archaic, unnecessary practice.
Why take pen to paper when you could just text someone…or visit them…or reach out on social media? Society evolved well past foolscap years ago, and with so many ways to keep in contact with loved ones, why bother with the old-fashioned methods? Well, with Christmas right around the corner, we thought it was high time to write our own love letter of sorts. Snail mail, this one’s for you (and it should be for you, dear reader, too)!
What Makes Snail Mail So Great Anyway?
Nothing topped getting letters in the mail as a kid. Birthday cards, Christmas wishes, you name it; handwritten letters were the ultimate way to let someone know that you cared about them. And not only cared about them, but thought of them long enough to write a personal message (and it never hurt if you got a little something stuffed in the envelope).
Snail mail may have lost its popularity, but it never lost its charm over the years. Today’s world is jam-packed with blue light and short attention spans, so taking the time to write a heartfelt note feels like an ancient declaration of love. But that’s also part of what makes it so special—you slowed down enough to devote half an hour to a loved one, and that effort shows as soon as they pop the seal.
There’s also something to be said for the rarity of snail mail. What kind of letters do people receive nowadays? Junk mail. Bills. Photocopied messages from realtors. It’s all such impersonal nonsense! A handwritten letter from a friend transcends today’s worries and allows you both to reconnect with what really matters: human relationships.
The Science Behind It All
We won’t bore you with all the psychological jargon, but handwriting letters is actually pretty good for your mental health. The reason why is that they provide a sort of catharsis similar to journaling. (While we're on the subject, you should probably start a journal in the new year, too.) Think about it: you’ve carved out some time to reflect and slow down, and even though you’re sharing those thoughts with someone else, the mental benefits remain.
Studies show that journaling is a solid way to reduce stress and improve mental health symptoms, particularly depression. While it’s not a cure-all treatment, and shouldn’t be used in lieu of professional help, it does provide an affordable option for those looking to calm their minds.
Handwriting letters isn’t the same as dumping out your purse, but that’s okay; the activity is basically the same, which means you reap the same benefits. When you take the time to sit with your thoughts, you slow down the same way you would during a journaling session. That time allows a little introspection, and the comfort is doubled when you share those thoughts with a trusted loved one.
How to Make Letters More Personal
Snail mail is already great enough on its own, but there are dozens of ways to jazz it up even further. If you’re planning to keep correspondence for years to come, you can include anything from decorated envelopes to adorable stickers inside—all the way to handmade stationery.
Scout local stationery shops around the area and pop in for cute letter sets. Some locations carry full-blown paper and envelope kits, while others have individual items you can swap in at your leisure. Go ahead: pick red envelopes for Valentine’s Day or floral paper for the springtime. Just keep away from monopolies like Walmart or Amazon—you’ll find better quality stuff from the little guy.
If you really have some time to burn, you can also make your own stationery. Plenty of businesses sell ephemera and scrapbooking supplies, and that paper makes a beautiful foundation for everyday paper. You can tear the edges for a more “outdated” look or simply glue printer paper onto ephemera; your recipient will appreciate the added effort! It also provides a terrific outlet to express creativity.
Do yourself a favor and don’t count out this beneficial activity. It not only brings you closer to the people you love, but it also allows you to hone in on creativity, express your thoughts, and keep in touch with loved ones in a far more personal way. No one’s saying you have to write everyone in your contacts list, either—try your hand at one and see how you feel. You might be surprised to learn that the old ways are better!
