Why Doodling Might Be Your Brain’s Secret Weapon

 

 

Ever been stuck in a boring meeting or lecture and found yourself doodling — drawing spirals, flowers, or random shapes without even thinking about it? That little habit might actually be helping your brain work better, not distracting you! Even U.S. presidents like Theodore Roosevelt (animals), Ronald Reagan (cowboys), and John F. Kennedy (dominoes) doodled during their busy lives.

So why does doodling matter?

Let’s explore how it helps your brain stay focused, remember more, and feel less stressed.

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Doodling Helps Your Memory

Back in 2009, psychologist Jackie Andrade ran an experiment. She asked 40 people to listen to a super boring voicemail — think of someone droning on about their grocery list. Half the group doodled while they listened, and the other half didn’t. Afterward, everyone was tested on what they remembered from the call. The doodlers remembered 29% more details than those who didn’t doodle.

Why? Doodling seems to give your brain something small to focus on, which keeps it from completely zoning out. It’s like keeping one foot in the conversation while the other takes a short break.

Life can be overwhelming, full of loose ends and unanswered questions. Doodling might help your brain sort through all that. It can bring back forgotten memories or make sense of things in a way that feels calming. It’s like therapy without the talking — just you, your pen, and a blank page.

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Doodling Keeps You Awake

When you’re stuck listening to something long and boring, it’s easy to feel your brain slowing down. That tired, foggy feeling is your brain’s way of dealing with boredom by shutting off to save energy.

Doodling can help by giving your brain something small and easy to do. It keeps your mind active without much effort, like a little spark that stops you from zoning out or falling asleep. Just a few random scribbles can keep you grounded and awake, helping you focus on what’s happening even when it’s not the most exciting thing.

Picture yourself in a long meeting about company rules. The speaker keeps talking, and it’s hard to stay focused. You feel sleepy, and your mind starts to wander. Instead of tuning out completely, you pick up a pen and start drawing small flowers, spirals, or random shapes on your paper.

As your hand moves, it keeps your brain lightly active, stopping you from daydreaming or nodding off. By the end of the meeting, you’ve managed to pay attention to what was said — and you’ve also created a page full of doodles without even realizing it!

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Taking a Mini Break Boosts Brain Power

You know how tired your brain feels when you focus for too long? That’s when doodling can help! It gives your brain a quick break so you can recharge and refocus. Even medical students, who spend hours studying tough subjects, say doodling works wonders for them.

Just 30 minutes of drawing random shapes or patterns can help them remember things better and stay calm. Doodling is like hitting a refresh button for your mind. It’s a simple, creative way to take a break, clear your head, and keep going without feeling completely worn out.

Here is an example of how it works - Imagine you’re studying for a big test, like a medical student cramming for anatomy exams. After hours of reading and memorizing, your brain feels exhausted, and the information stops sinking in. Instead of pushing yourself harder, you take a 30-minute break to doodle. You draw flowers, swirls, or even random shapes in the margins of your notebook.

As you doodle, your mind starts to relax. You feel calmer and less stressed, and when you go back to studying, it’s easier to focus. That short doodling break helped refresh your brain, making it ready to absorb more information again.

 

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Your Doodles Might Say Something About You

Fun fact: Your random doodles might reveal what’s going on in your subconscious. Psychologists like Dr. Robert Burns believe doodles are like a peek into your brain’s inner world. A swirl, a triangle, or even a scribble can say more than you think about how you’re feeling or what’s on your mind.

How to Make Doodling Work for You:

Want to get the most out of your doodling? Here are a few tips:

●     Keep It Simple: Draw shapes, patterns, or even your name in cool styles.

●     Don’t Overdo It: A quick 30 minutes is enough to refresh your brain.

●     Go With the Flow: Let your hand move naturally without overthinking it.

●     Add Color: Throw in some colors to make it more fun and calming.

●     No Pressure: Your doodles don’t need to be perfect — they’re just for you!

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Fun Doodle Facts

●     Presidential Doodlers: 26 of the 44 U.S. presidents doodled during meetings. It seems even leaders need brain breaks!

●     Popular Doodle Shapes: Spirals, flowers, and geometric designs are the go-to for most doodlers.

●     Doodling Helps Students: Research shows that students who doodle while studying retain more information. So, don’t feel guilty for scribbling during your next Zoom class!

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Next Time You Doodle, Embrace It

The next time someone catches you doodling, tell them you’re giving your brain a boost! Whether it’s to stay awake, remember something, or just relax, doodling is more than random scribbles. It’s a way to recharge and get creative.

So pick up a pen, let your hand wander, and see where it takes you. Happy doodling!

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