3 min readNew DelhiAug 31, 2025 05:00 PM IST
First published on: Aug 31, 2025 at 05:00 PM IST
While learning how to write with both your hands does seem to make for an amazing party trick, it may also be very beneficial for your brain! Dr Murali Krishna, Consultant Neurologist at CARE Hospitals, Malakpet, tells indianexpress.com how.
Practicing writing with both hands is called ambidexterity training. Essentially, writing with the dominant hand and the non-dominant hand stimulates different hemispheres of the brain. When a person learns to use both hands to their full potential, the coordination between these different hemispheres of the brain proves to positively affect one’s cognitive flexibility.
“It may potentially improve brain functions as the brain must create new pathways to coordinate both hands. This, in turn, enhances the brain’s ability to adapt to structural changes. This improved communication between the hemispheres of the brain can enhance cognitive flexibility and better one’s problem-solving ability,” said Dr Krishna.
However, it is to be noted that while ambidexterity training can improve one’s coordination and motor skills, there is still limited evidence on any significant cognitive enhancement.
However, it is to be noted that while ambidexterity training can improve one’s coordination and motor skills, there is still limited evidence on any significant cognitive enhancement. (Source: Freepik)
Can ambidexterity training also boost creativity?
The different hemispheres of brain are majorly behind different functional aspects of the brain and improving communication between the two can be a very integral enhancement for a creative person. “Using both hands at the same time stimulates both sides of the brain, which can improve the integration of the person’s logical (left hemisphere) and creative (right hemisphere) functioning.” said Dr Krishna.
Ambidexterity training encourages unconventional viewpoints and opens up new paths for artistic expression. However, this is subjective, as the degree of creativity enhancement differs for each individual.
Does ambidexterity training come with any risks as well?
The potential risks involving ambidexterity training are –
-Over exercising your non-dominant hand which can often be stressful and can cause frustration.
-Decrease in motivation.
-Physical strain or injury due to faulty technique or posture.
-Interference with fine motor skills if not done properly as it can cause confusion.
Does this also mean that naturally ambidextrous people have a better cognitive functioning than other people?
People who are naturally ambidextrous showcase unique cognitive function compared to other people. While they usually showcase enhanced cognitive flexibility and adaptability, there are also studies which indicate that such individuals may tend to have slightly lower verbal memory and processing speed as opposed to compared to other individuals.
It is important to understand that the cognitive differences are complex and influenced by numerous factors, including the individual, context, and environmental conditions.
Practicing writing with both hands is called ambidexterity training. (Source: Freepik) 
However, it is to be noted that while ambidexterity training can improve one’s coordination and motor skills, there is still limited evidence on any significant cognitive enhancement. (Source: Freepik)
Share
