Back to work, back to you: write more (and come back better)

Coming back from vacation usually means endless lists, an overflowing inbox, and stress as the order of the day. But what if we looked at it differently? September (or whenever you’re back) can be a reset: a chance to recover and/or add habits that are good for you—personally and even professionally. One simple, tangible, and delightful habit is to write by hand.

We’re not talking about writing out of obligation or just “taking notes”; we mean small rituals that bring back focus, calm, and a kind sense of control over your day. One minute before opening email, two between meetings, three when you wrap up. Micro-rituals that center you and remind you there’s room for your hobbies at the office, too.

A change of perspective: from “coming back” to “coming back better”

Aim for a gentle return. Spend two minutes clearing your head before opening email; another two between meetings to sort what matters; and one at the end to close with intention. These writing micro-rituals don’t compete with productivity—they support and boost it. When you write, you think better. And when you think better, the return feels less uphill.

How to weave writing into your day

• At the start: jot down one goal for the day and one kind gesture to yourself (e.g., “lunch without screens”).
• Between tasks: a list of three to five real to-dos—no more.
• After a meeting: two key ideas + one action with a date.
• At closing time: one line of gratitude or a lesson learned. Mental hygiene in 20 seconds.
  

Choose the tool that matches your pace

You don’t need a collection to start; just one tool that invites daily use. Here are options—with examples you’ll find at Iguana—so you can choose according to how you work and your aesthetic taste.

Fountain pen: flow and calm

A fountain pen turns your stroke into a continuous line—ideal for deeper thinking, journaling, and calm note-taking. To start, a Medium (M) nib usually balances smoothness and control. Look for comfort in hand (weight, diameter) and an easy filling system (cartridge or converter). We invite you to read our article on choosing your first fountain pen.

Versatile examples: Lamy Safari (ergonomic and light), Pilot Capless (great value for money), Esterbrook Niblet (compact to carry everywhere). If you want to step up the experience: Montegrappa Armonia (elegant and comfortable) or Pelikan M200 (tradition and balance).

Rollerball: instant ease

The rollerball gives you fountain-pen smoothness with zero learning curve. Perfect for back-to-back meetings, quick notes, and frequent signatures. Strong picks: Montblanc Classique (classic), Tibaldi Perfecta (reliable), Visconti Van Gogh (artistic flair).

Ballpoint: ready for anything

The ballpoint is the “always ready” option: it writes well even on tricky paper and won’t dry out after days. Ideal for lists, quick signatures, and assorted paperwork. Time-tested references: Parker 51 (iconic), Caran d’Ache Ecridor (lightweight aluminum), Graf von Faber-Castell Classic (understated high-end).

Mechanical pencil: precision and structure

A mechanical pencil keeps a fine, consistent line—perfect for schemes, mind maps, and reviewing numbers. Choose lead size to match your handwriting: 0.5 mm for detail, 0.7 mm for general writing. Solid options: Aurora Africa (balanced), Cross Classic Century (for an easy, relaxed stroke), or, if you prefer a premium wooden pencil: Graf von Faber-Castell Perfect Pencil.

Small choices that make a big difference

Paper and notebook

Decent paper prevents show-through and helps ink settle better. If you use a fountain pen, choose mid-weight, smooth paper. If you take lots of quick notes, a squared or dotted notebook keeps things visually tidy.

Inks and refills

With fountain pens, start with medium-drying inks in colors that inspire you. Our top ink pick is Diamine—an impressive range of colors, quick drying, long-lasting, and a balanced formula that suits all nib types, including Asian ones.

With rollerballs or ballpoints, keep a spare refill in your drawer: less friction, more continuity. Ask us if you need a refill for your pen.

Ergonomics and care

The right tool shouldn’t tire you out. Relax your grip, avoid pressing too hard, and keep your shoulders loose. If you use a fountain pen, a quick monthly rinse keeps flow stable; with ballpoints and rollerballs, check the clip and twist/click mechanism so they keep pace with you.

Your three-step “return kit”

1. One tool, one purpose: fountain pen for personal focus; rollerball for meetings; ballpoint for the unexpected; mechanical pencil for planning.
2. Three simple criteria: in-hand comfort, line type (F/M to start), and maintenance (cartridge/converter if you want ease).
3. A color that anchors you: the finish matters because it builds habit. If you like it, you’ll use it more.

Bonus: a daily/weekly writing checklist you can practice for 5 minutes at the office

▢ Week’s objective + first concrete step.

▢ Three ideas you don’t want to forget (from the day or a project).

▢ Quick map of a problem (mechanical pencil + two arrows, no more).

▢ A note to your future self for tomorrow (close the loops).

▢ One win and one learning.

The return doesn’t have to be abrupt. It can be a return to what makes you feel good: five minutes of writing here and there, and a tool that makes it easy. The rest follows naturally. We hope this article helps you enjoy a gentle return—and enjoy writing as a hobby that fits into your workday and actually adds to it.

Got questions? Want a personalized recommendation? Contact us—we’ll be happy to help