Why Do People Doodle When Concentrating And Does It Boost Focus

Doodling—those absent-minded sketches in the margins of a notebook, the spirals on a notepad during a meeting, or the quick figures drawn while listening on the phone—is often dismissed as a sign of distraction. But research and anecdotal evidence suggest otherwise. Far from being a symptom of mental disengagement, doodling frequently occurs precisely when the brain is working hard to process complex information. In fact, many people find that their ability to concentrate improves when they allow themselves to sketch freely. This article explores the science behind why we doodle during concentration and whether this seemingly idle behavior actually enhances focus, memory retention, and cognitive performance.

The Cognitive Science Behind Doodling

Doodling isn’t random; it’s a response to cognitive load. When the brain receives more information than it can immediately process, it seeks ways to regulate attention and prevent mental overload. Doodling acts as a form of low-level cognitive engagement that keeps the mind anchored without diverting critical resources from the primary task.

Dr. Jackie Andrade, a cognitive psychologist at the University of Plymouth, conducted a landmark study in 2009 that tested recall among participants listening to a monotonous recorded message. One group was instructed to color in shapes on a page (a controlled form of doodling), while the other listened without any secondary task. The doodling group recalled 29% more information than the control group. This suggests that doodling doesn’t distract—it prevents the mind from drifting into daydreaming, which is far more disruptive to concentration.

“Doodling helps maintain arousal and focus during monotonous tasks by occupying just enough of the mind to stop it from wandering.” — Dr. Jackie Andrade, Cognitive Psychologist

The brain operates on multiple attentional channels. Visual-spatial processing—the kind involved in drawing lines, shapes, or figures—uses different neural pathways than verbal or auditory processing. When someone listens to a lecture or attends a meeting, the auditory cortex is heavily engaged. Adding a simple visual-motor task like doodling doesn’t compete for the same bandwidth; instead, it stabilizes attention by providing a subtle outlet for excess mental energy.

Why People Doodle When Concentrating: Four Key Reasons

Doodling during focused activities isn't just a habit—it's a functional behavior rooted in neurobiology and psychology. Here are four primary reasons why people doodle when concentrating:

1. To Regulate Cognitive Arousal: Too little stimulation leads to boredom; too much causes overwhelm. Doodling helps maintain an optimal level of alertness, especially during long or repetitive tasks.
2. To Reduce Mental Fatigue: Sustained attention depletes mental resources. Simple motor activities like sketching give the brain micro-pauses, reducing cognitive strain.
3. To Aid Memory Encoding: Visualizing ideas—even abstractly—can strengthen memory. Doodles serve as external representations of internal thought processes, making information more memorable.
4. To Express Subconscious Processing: Sometimes, doodles reflect underlying thoughts or emotions related to the topic at hand. Repeated patterns, symbols, or themes may indicate what the mind is grappling with subconsciously.

Tip: If you catch yourself doodling during meetings or lectures, don’t suppress it. Instead, use structured doodling techniques like sketch-noting to turn idle marks into meaningful visual summaries.

Doodling vs. Distraction: What the Research Says

A common misconception is that any off-task behavior impairs learning. However, studies show that not all multitasking is detrimental. The key lies in the nature of the secondary activity. Passive doodling—such as shading blocks or drawing loops—requires minimal attention and doesn’t interfere with primary cognitive functions.

In contrast, high-engagement multitasking—like texting or browsing social media—demands significant cognitive resources and disrupts focus. Doodling sits on the opposite end of the spectrum: it’s automatic, low-effort, and supports sustained attention.

A 2011 study published in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that students who doodled during a lecture scored higher on comprehension tests than those who didn’t. Researchers concluded that doodling helped filter out internal distractions (like mind-wandering) rather than introducing external ones.

Type of Activity	Cognitive Load	Impact on Focus	Effect on Memory
Passive Doodling (e.g., scribbling)	Low	Improves	Enhances
Active Drawing (e.g., detailed sketches)	High	Reduces	May impair
Phone Use During Listening	Very High	Severely reduces	Negatively impacts
No Secondary Task	None	Moderate (prone to drift)	Baseline

The data clearly shows that not all secondary behaviors are equal. The simplicity and spontaneity of doodling make it uniquely suited to support, rather than hinder, concentration.

How Doodling Can Boost Focus: Practical Applications

Understanding the science is one thing; applying it is another. Many professionals, educators, and students have begun integrating intentional doodling into their workflows to improve focus and retention. Below is a step-by-step guide to using doodling as a cognitive tool.

Step-by-Step Guide: Using Doodling to Enhance Concentration

1. Recognize Your Attention Patterns: Notice when your mind starts to wander during reading, listening, or problem-solving. These are ideal moments to introduce doodling.
2. Keep Tools Accessible: Always have a pen and paper—or digital stylus and tablet—within reach during meetings, lectures, or deep work sessions.
3. Start Simple: Begin with basic shapes, lines, or patterns. Avoid detailed drawings that require intense focus.
4. Link Doodles to Content: Try turning key concepts into symbols. For example, draw an arrow for “process,” a lightbulb for “idea,” or a bridge for “connection.”
5. Review Afterward: Look back at your doodles. They may reveal insights about what stood out to you or how you processed information.

This method, sometimes called “visual notetaking” or “sketchnoting,” combines the benefits of traditional note-taking with the cognitive anchoring of doodling. It’s particularly effective for visual learners and those dealing with complex, abstract material.

Real-World Example: A Student’s Experience with Doodling

Sophie, a third-year neuroscience student, struggled to stay focused during hour-long online lectures. Despite her best efforts, she found herself zoning out after 20 minutes. On a recommendation from a professor, she began allowing herself to doodle during class—starting with simple geometric patterns alongside her notes.

Within two weeks, Sophie noticed a marked improvement in her ability to follow along. She also found that reviewing her notes was easier because the doodles acted as visual anchors. A spiral near a key definition reminded her of the concept’s recursive nature; a series of interconnected circles illustrated synaptic connections. Her exam scores rose by nearly 15%, and she credited part of her success to what she once considered a bad habit.

“I used to feel guilty for not staring at the screen the whole time,” Sophie said. “But now I see that my hands were helping my brain stay online.”

Best Practices for Effective Doodling

Not all doodling is equally beneficial. To ensure it supports focus rather than becomes a distraction, follow these guidelines:

• Doodle automatically—don’t overthink the shapes.
• Use doodling during passive listening, not during active writing or speaking.
• Limit detail; intricate drawings shift focus away from the primary task.
• Experiment with colors to represent different ideas or emotional tones.
• Combine words and visuals when possible to reinforce dual coding (verbal + visual memory).

Tip: If you're in a formal setting where visible doodling might be frowned upon, try tactile alternatives like fidget tools or tracing shapes under the table with your finger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does doodling help with ADHD and attention disorders?

Yes, many individuals with ADHD report that doodling helps them stay engaged during conversations or lectures. The sensory-motor feedback provides grounding, reducing impulsivity and mental restlessness. While not a substitute for treatment, it can be a valuable self-regulation strategy.

Can doodling improve creativity?

Absolutely. Doodling activates the brain’s default mode network—the same system involved in creative thinking and problem-solving. Even simple sketches can spark new associations and ideas, especially when tackling complex challenges.

Is there a downside to doodling?

Only if it becomes overly elaborate or distracting. Doodling that consumes attention defeats its purpose. The goal is gentle engagement, not artistic production. If you find yourself focusing more on the drawing than the content, scale back to simpler forms.

Conclusion: Embrace the Doodle

Doodling is not a sign of inattention—it’s often the opposite. It’s a natural, intelligent response to cognitive demands, helping the brain stay balanced, alert, and engaged. Whether you’re sitting through a long meeting, studying for exams, or wrestling with a tough problem, allowing yourself to doodle might be the very thing that sharpens your focus.

The next time you catch your pen moving aimlessly across the page, don’t stop. Instead, recognize it as your brain’s way of staying present. With intention and practice, doodling can evolve from a subconscious habit into a powerful tool for learning, memory, and mental clarity.

🚀 Start today: Keep a sketchpad nearby during your next focused session. Let your hand move freely, and observe how your attention shifts. Share your experience or favorite doodle techniques in the comments below.