MSS #0123: The Power of Doodling – A Stress-Free Way to Boost Productivity

MSS #0123: The Power of Doodling – A Stress-Free Way to Boost Productivity

17 May, 2025

🕒Read time: 3.2 minutes
🚀 In a hurry? Jump to “Why Doodling Reigns Supreme” for a reduced reading time of 1.4 minutes.

I want to talk about Doodling – letting your pen run free in your hand and simply creating patterns or geometry on a piece of paper.

I remember doing this quite often at school on a scrap piece of paper.

I also remember doodling geometric shapes, tightly packed when studying my A Levels and Engineering degree.

Thinking back, I found it very relaxing, creative and helped me “digest” the information I was studying.

Apart from Doodling a bit, in some boring meetings listening to an uninspiring boss drone on about something that would not help the business move forwards, somehow, I have stopped Doodling.

Should I take it up again?

Turns out Doodling a seemingly mindless, simple activity can reduce stress, unlock creativity and supercharge productivity at work.

Let’s investigate together.

Unlocking Creativity Through Simplicity

The demands of modern work life often leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained of creativity.

When faced with challenging projects or moments of stagnation, finding a productive way to reset can seem difficult.

Surprisingly, neuroscience points to a delightful solution—doodling.

Recent research from Drexel University highlights that engaging in art activities such as doodling, drawing, or colouring activates the brain’s reward pathways.

Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), researchers observed increased blood flow in the prefrontal cortex during art-making, indicating boosted mental well-being and creativity.

The pre-frontal cortex is where our rational, problem-solving thinking takes place. It’s also the part of the brain that’s involved in helping us keep a balanced view of life’s challenges.

The Neuroscience of Art-Making

The research looked at different forms of doodling.

Participants in the study engaged in three-minute sessions of:

• Mandala colouring – Staying within geometric patterns.

• Doodling within circles – Adding creative flair to a predefined space.

• Free drawing – Unstructured, expressive sketching.

Results showed increased activation in the brain's reward circuits during all three activities.

Notably, the joy stemmed not from the results but from the act of creating itself.

Beyond feeling good, participants reported improved problem-solving skills and heightened creativity after these exercises.

Among the three art forms, doodling emerged as the standout for its unique benefits.

Why Doodling Reigns Supreme

Doodling isn't just a playful pastime—it’s a proven method to boost productivity and reduce stress.

Here's why:

• Calming effects: Doodling soothes the mind, reducing anxiety and fostering a focused state.

• Creativity on demand: It encourages free thought, unlocking new ideas and perspectives.

• Judgment-free engagement: You don’t need artistic talent to reap the benefits.

• Stress reduction: Regular doodling promotes positive emotions and enhances overall well-being.

Contrary to misconceptions, doodling isn’t a distraction.

It’s a tool many successful professionals use to stay sharp, solve problems and communicate ideas effectively.

A Simple Productivity Hack

Doodling is something I did quite instinctively when younger.

I doodled quite frequently up till my early 20’s.

Turns out I should have kept going and is something I have now reintroduced, especially if I am feeling stressed, frustrated or am looking for some creativity.

Whenever you feel stuck or overwhelmed at work:

1. Grab a pen and paper.

2. Let your mind wander and doodle freely for a few minutes.

3. Notice the shift in your mood, focus and problem-solving ability.

The beauty of doodling lies in its accessibility.

You don’t need a special setup or artistic skills—just the willingness to let go and explore.

Summary

Doodling might appear trivial, but its impact is profound. Backed by science, it offers an easy, enjoyable way to manage stress and boost productivity.

• Doodling activates the brain’s reward pathways, improving mood and focus.

• It reduces stress and fosters creativity without requiring artistic skill.

• Regular doodling can transform how you approach challenges and spark innovation.

Take a break, doodle, and watch your productivity soar.

Until next week, keep exploring small actions that lead to big change!

🧾 Appendix: Additional Research That Supports Doodling

To further reinforce the case for doodling, here are several evidence-based studies and expert insights:

1. 📚 Jackie Andrade’s Memory Study (2009)
Participants who doodled while listening to a boring telephone message remembered 29% more information than those who didn’t doodle. This suggests doodling helps sustain attention during monotonous tasks.
Source: Applied Cognitive Psychology (2009)

2. 🧘 Stress Reduction Through Creative Expression
A study published in Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association found that 75% of participants had lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) after just 45 minutes of free drawing or doodling.
Source: Art Therapy Journal, 2016

3. 💭 Cognitive Offloading and Mental Clarity
Research from The British Psychological Society noted that doodling can serve as a form of cognitive offloading, which frees up mental space for complex tasks and problem-solving.
Source: The Psychologist, 2017

4. 💡 Doodling Enhances Ideation
Sunni Brown, author of The Doodle Revolution, advocates doodling as a form of “visual thinking” that activates the brain’s default mode network—associated with creativity, insight, and memory consolidation.

5. 🖌️ Therapeutic Use in Mental Health
Mindful doodling is now used as a technique in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and art therapy to assist individuals coping with anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
Source: Healthline, 2023

📣 Doodling is not idle scribbling—it’s a science-backed method to help your brain thrive.

See you next week. One more thought 👇

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That's it for this week. Thanks for reading, really hope this helped. Contact me if you think I can help you further at [email protected].

Happy thinking.