Doodling

I’ve been wondering about the value of doodling. 

I started by looking for definitions of doodling. I found two that I like: “an aimless or casual scribble, design, or sketch” (Merriam Webster), and “to draw or scrawl aimlessly” (The Oxford English Dictionary). Aimlessness seems important to doodling.   

I was curious to see what there is to know about doodling and have learned some intriguing things. For example, doodling can foster big picture thinking, lead to innovations, and improve listening by keeping our minds from wandering. 

I learned that if you’re feeling stuck, “a time-limited doodle will likely activate the brain’s ‘unfocus’ circuits, give your ‘focus’ circuits a break, and allow you to find creative solutions to stubborn problems.” Doodling can help generate ideas and beat writer’s block, sharpen your creativity, and boost your productivity. Doodling was beginning to seem quite useful. 

I decided I needed more experience to write this article, so I grabbed a piece of paper, assembled my favorite pens and pencils, and prepared to doodle. I learned two things: 1) Doodling when I need to concentrate doesn’t work for me (though it may for others). I doodled during my Spanish class and immediately lost track of the conversation. 2) Taking a break to doodle does work for me. I return to my projects relaxed and maybe even with some new ideas. 

With all of this in mind, here are my thoughts about doodling and writing:

• Anyone can doodle. All you need is a pencil and paper, (though I find that colors are
  energizing).
• Doodling is relaxing. Writing can be intense, complex, and/or tedious. Take a break and doodle.
• Be creative. You don’t need to be an artist to be a doodler.
• It’s fun! Turn off your brain and see what happens. Then make someone’s day by sending them
  your doodle.
• Give it a try. Doodling can’t hurt your writing, and it might help.

As a lover of words, I find that just reading or better yet hearing the word “doodle” calms me down and makes me smile. And that’s a very worthwhile result!