'Shorthand' tips for handwritten notes?

Hi All,

I'm wondering if anyone has any 'shorthand' tips they'd care to pass on for taking handwritten notes?

I'm not looking to learn actual shorthand (I prefer to write with pens, and as I understand it to learn / use shorthand, you need to use pencils to indicate variable widths in line strokes), just curious about any abbreviations / symbols etc others might use to make the process of writing by hand a little easier.

I ask because I have a permanent injury to my index finger, and while I like writing by hand, long writing sessions can become quite painful; so, any techniques that allow me to save the number of letters I'm writing would be helpful.

Currently I use the following (some of which have been inspired by text messaging abbreviations), though I'd be happy to hear anyone else's suggestions for the same words / phrases):

w/ = with
w/- = without
tda = today
tmo = tomorrow
yta = yesterday
2 = to, too
4 = for
b = be
+ = and

Again, I'm also interested in any meaningful symbols you might use as well.

Many thanks to anyone who replies!

Much warmth,

planetthoughtful