This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of the Paper + Packaging Board.

Man, do we live in a weird time. Not only are things heading consistently into online-only territory, that also means a general decline in pen-and-paper practices. I don’t know about you, but that seriously upsets me. When I read a book, I want to flip through the pages and smell the ink on the paper and feel the texture of the print between my fingers. When I need to remember something important, I want to feel the lead pressing onto paper and see the words come to life in front of my eyes. And, when I’m feeling creative, I want to jot down the words that inspired me or color outside of the lines when count by numbers feels like a bore. There’s just nothing like it.

Realizing all of these things, I had no qualms partnering with Paper & Packaging when they reached out. Their goal was simple and something I could get on board with, especially since this is something I practice in daily life: show the benefits of real, actual paper. Easy.

Let’s cover productivity. I’m a list maker. If I want to remember something, I have to write it down – no question about it. My thoughts play out in a progressive pattern: sticky note or note pad to lined notebook of lists to my planner. This thought evolution helps me to keep the important things in the forefront of my mind while keeping everything else neatly (well, metaphorically neat) on the back burner. Taking notes on paper also clears the distraction of jumping onto social media. Since I may or may not open Instagram as a default reaction when I unlock my phone… grabbing a pen and paper is the better option.

I also use paper to express creativity and keep my wellness in check. I’ve always been a writer, and nothing compares to writing by hand. Using a pen and paper just feels real, like I’m breathing life into what I’m writing. You can always type something out after the fact, so only typing feels like I’m cheating or missing out. This is also true for drawing by hand versus designing graphics. I love to get lost in doodling roses or tackling a coloring book to unwind at the end of the day. One more thing that contributes to overall wellness? Expressing your feelings to someone through a handwritten note. Like I’ve said before, nothing hits home like showing someone you care enough to take the time to write out a traditional letter.

Lastly, for real, paper books are way better. I totally understand the convenience of a Kindle (I admit, I have one myself for traveling), but cracking open a thick, paper book with rigid pages and fresh ink is my heaven. I lost my reading habits for a while to work and life and distractions and have just re-found my love. A book that I started recently? Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson. I’m taking part in Paper & Packaging’s 15 Pages A Day challenge to commit to reading fifteen print pages per day, and this one is my first victim. It’s all about completely restructuring the way you think about productivity (they say “ASAP is poison” and “meetings are toxic”) and, so far, I’m all about the concepts laid out.

Whether you love technology like I do or can’t stand the internet, I feel everyone can agree that using paper in day to day life just feels better. If you keep a planner, love to draw, or can’t live without your sticky notes, you get the feeling.