How Doodling Can Help the Brain

You might remember a time at school when you were told off for drawing all over your math book. It’s not uncommon for teachers to encourage tidy workings out, and a neatly presented worksheet. This is a pity, since doodling can help the brain.

Everyone thinks differently, and some people benefit from scribbling things on paper whilst they work. There are a number of reasons for this. What could look like boredom or absent-minded graffiti might actually be the things that’s helping a student with ADHD focus, or a child with ASD relieving stress.

Here at Cali & Caro, we support all types of brains and learning. If doodling is your thing, we’re here to give you the tools to do it!

Just in case you’re not already sold, here’s exactly how doodling can help the brain.

Doodling & Memory

A popularly referred to 2009 study by Jackie Andrade asked 40 people to listen to a particularly dull 2.5 minute voicemail message. Unaware that their memory was being tested, half the participants doodled (shading in a shape) as they listened, and the other half did nothing. They were then asked to recall elements of the message. It was found that the participants who doodled concentrated on the voice recording better. 

The study theorized that doodling helps memory recall by keeping the brain alert and awake during otherwise boring tasks. Doodling also helps memory by taking some strain off the brain when it’s ingesting large quantities of new information. The physical nature of doodling also helps create connections in our brains between pieces of information.

Stress Relief Through Doodling

Taking in lots of information at once can be a stressful experience, especially for neurodivergent students. Being able to doodle can provide an outlet for this stress, making listening easier. 

“Surf doodling” is a technique promoted by psychologist, Christine Selby. This form of doodling is done by drawing a continuous line, which curves and crisscrosses. Because there’s no need to change pens, or even lift the pen from the paper, the action is fluid and gentle. This motion is perfect for relieving stress in a classroom setting or similar.

Although doodles may appear random, Dr. Robert Burns, the former director of the Institute for Human Development at the University of Seattle, believes they can be a window into the unconscious. By unlocking these deep-seated thoughts and feelings, a weight is lifted and stress subsequently relieved.

Doodling for Focus

Focussing on classes or work for long periods of time can be a struggle at the best of times. If the subject is dry, it can feel almost impossible or painful. Typical classrooms tend to offer just one method of learning; teacher giving out information as students listen. Doodling can help the brain focus by eliminating the monotony of simply listening to information.

Drawing and doodling stimulates more areas of the brain than just listening. This keeps students more awake, and able to focus on the tasks in front of them. It’s also perfect for problem-solving, since it taps into a creative area of the brain. This enables kids to approach things in innovative and creative ways, solving issues they may have otherwise struggled with.

Since doodling is great for focus, it makes sense that it helps with listening in general. Often, it’s easy to assume that someone isn’t listening or paying attention if they’re doodling whilst you’re speaking. Being able to doodle freely can help a neurodivergent person listen and understand better, helping them in social settings to be stronger communicators. 

In the Mood for Doodling

With benefits like improved focus, stress relief, and boosted memory, it’s no wonder that doodling can enhance mood. Research shows that, along with better creativity and memory, doodling can actually make you happier!

In order for that quick mood boost to occur from doodling, however, it depends on what you draw. A study in 2008 showed that the “venting” approach to doodling was less effective in increasing happiness compared to a more focussed approach. If you vent whilst you doodle, i.e. furiously scribble or draw negative things, you may relieve stress, but it won’t do much for your mood right away. Conversely, focussing on positive things, or things that make you happy, and drawing those can boost happiness.

Doodle with Cali & Caro

If doodling your way out of daydreams and into real happiness and improved focus sounds up your street, Cali & Caro have got you covered. We offer a range of specially designed stationery and writing tools, perfect for neurodiversity or anyone who loves to write!

Since doodling can help the brain, why not make it colorful? Get your hands on some colored pens to brighten up the page, or grab a brand-new, beautifully designed notebook to keep your doodles in. 
Visit our online shop today to start exploring.