Handwriting can be a challenge for all of us — especially the 30 million American adults with dyslexia.

The digital age means that we have almost left the physical written word behind. Sure, typing can be helpful when you’re living with a written language disorder like dyslexia. However, handwriting practice can be a source of multi-sensory help that makes you feel more confident in daily life.

Whether or not you have a written language disorder, your handwriting could probably improve. Look no further: you’re about to read 5 tips that will help you practice handwriting the right way.

1. Decide What to Change

Look at a page of your handwriting. (If you don’t have one, just use a journal prompt to get your writing juices flowing!)

What do you like about your handwriting, and what do you want to change?

Some changes you could make might be:

• Making all your letters the same height (instead of inconsistent letter sizes)
• Consistent spacing between letters
• Better separation between the letters so they are easier to read
• Larger, rounder letters (instead of small, cramped handwriting)
• Keeping all your letters on the baseline (instead of rising above or falling below it)

Once you’ve decided how you want to improve your handwriting, you’ll be able to focus on that when you practice handwriting.

2. Relax That Hand

When we’re not used to writing often, we tend to hold our pen in a vicelike grip. A tight pen grip exhausts your hand and arm muscles. In addition, it tends to give your handwriting that “chicken scratch” look.

The solution: practice handwriting by relaxing your hand. At first, it will be uncomfortable for your hand. Your letters might look loose and sloppy, too.

Over time, though, a relaxed grip will improve your handwriting. It will give you a controlled, flowing style that doesn’t hurt your muscles.

3. Turn Your Paper

There’s no rule that says you have to write with your paper lined up perfectly straight in front of you. Many people find it more comfortable to write with their paper:

• Offset to the right or left
• Tilted slightly
• Rotated a full 90 degrees (perpendicular to your body)

Experiment with turning your paper until you find the rotation that’s comfortable for you. You’ll be amazed at how much this simple trick improves your handwriting!

4. Find an Adult Handwriting Worksheet

Does the idea of doing a pen-and-paper handwriting drill take you back to third grade? If so, it’s time to discover adult handwriting worksheets.

Drilling motor skills is just one effective therapy that supports written language skills. If your dyslexia or other written language disorder makes writing frustrating, learn more here.

5. Write More to Build Hand Muscles

Believe it or not, writing takes muscle strength. If you rarely use your hands to write, your muscles will be out of shape. As a result, your handwriting will be weaker and sloppier.

Improve your handwriting by writing more often. Not sure how? Start a daily journaling habit.

As a bonus, you’ll get the proven mental health benefits that come with frequent journaling.

Practice Handwriting Like an Adult

Whether your handwriting is more chicken scratch or middle school cursive, there’s no need to wait to practice your handwriting. It’s time to get your adult handwriting sorted out.

With these tips, you can transform that grade-school scrawl into a beautiful signature style. But don’t stop now! Keep reading our blog for more exciting lifestyle tips.