So I'm a horrible writer but I kinda want to get into writing just to put my thought down somewhere (no emo) and improve my writing as a byproduct. What are various writing exercises or brainstorming activities do you guys do to help with your writing, say during a writer's block or something?

Would it be better to actually write down my writing (pen to paper) or is it equally efficient to type it up? (I mean to keep the writing process going)