The Secret Powers Of Doodling (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret power of doodling? ›

It enables your brain to stay active while still getting a bit of a break. It's enough to keep you alert—but usually not so absorbing that you stop paying attention, as you would if you played on your phone or watched TV. Staying focused isn't the only potential benefit of doodling. It may improve your mood too.

Doodling has been found to aid focus and sustain attention by providing just enough stimulation to prevent daydreaming or mind-wandering without overtaxing the mind. It acts as a cognitive anchor that keeps one grounded in the present moment.

Research shows that much like other visually creative activities like coloring in or doing collages, doodling can help you unwind. It's thought to calm the amygdala, the part of the brain that controls the 'flight or fight' response—which is linked to stress and anxiety.

However, recent studies suggest that doodling can actually have surprising benefits, including the potential to raise your IQ. But how can something as simple as doodling popcorn lead to cognitive improvements? Let's explore this intriguing concept and discover the science behind the art.

An arch shape for instance can indicate someone is secretive, while retraced doodles are often a sign of being overworked. Criss-crosses can be a sign of anxiety, straight lines suggest someone is a “no nonsense” type and pointed shapes can indicate an ambitious and competitive nature.

1-Doodling improves our memory

A 2009 study conducted by Professor Jackie Andrade found doodlers recalled facts significantly better than non-doodlers.

Examples of stimming in ADHD, grouped here by type, include: Visual: "Zoning out," spinning objects like coins or fidget toys, pacing, doodling. Verbal or auditory: Giggling, singing, making repetitive sounds, excessive throat-clearing.

Most scholars believe that people are unconscious, preoccupied, or absent-‐ minded when doodling. Why Do People Doodle? Humans doodle for diverse reasons. They doodle to express emotion or state of mind, to cope with boredom or frustration, or to reflect a view of their identity to others.

to draw pictures or patterns while thinking about something else or when you are bored: She'd doodled all over her textbooks.

Another habit of smart people is doodling—so if you enjoy this pastime, it may mean you're intelligent, too.

Are doodles intelligent? ›

Poodles, and Therefore Doodles, Are Among the Smartest Dogs

German Shepherd 4. Golden Retriever. The list goes on, but we pause here to highlight a couple of things. First of all, poodles are considered the second most intelligent breed out of the 133 breeds included in this study.

Drawing is both a talent and a skill. Some people may have a natural aptitude or talent for drawing, which can give them a head start in learning. However, talent is not a requirement to become proficient at drawing.

The science behind doodling

Doodling can calm down a specific part of our brains, allowing us to study with greater success. Additionally, psychological distress is consistently lessened by doodling. Doodling is a way to fill in the gaps in your thought processes and glue these processes together.

“Doodle notes” (TM) are a unique visual note-taking method with built-in features that increase focus and memory by taking advantage of a collection of brain research. The brain converts blends of visual and linguistic information into long-term memory more easily.

But fidgeting, like doodling, can also provide physiological stimulation, which can help some people focus on a task. In one experiment, people who doodled throughout a phone call remembered 29% more details than those who did not, suggesting the activity may aid cognitive performance, although more research is needed.