Doodle your way to less stress
The current business environment can be intense, making the need for creativity crucial to achieve new solutions and original ideas. But how do you activate people's creativity at work? This will sound far-fetched but follow the science.
According to a study by Drexel University, art-making activities, such as drawing, coloring or doodling, can activate the reward pathways in the brain, which is known to boost mental health and creativity.
Researchers used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology to measure blood flow related to rewards in areas of the brain while participants completed various art-making projects.
The activities included coloring in a mandala, doodling within or around a circle marked on a paper and having a free-drawing session, each for three minutes, with rest periods in between. During all three activities, there was an increase in blood flow in the prefrontal cortex of the brain, which forms a part of the wiring for our brain's reward circuit.
“This shows that there might be inherent pleasure in doing art activities independent of the end results,” the study's lead author said.
The advantages of creating art go beyond just the pleasure of the activity itself. According to surveys before and after the activities, participants who engaged in art-making felt more creative and were better able to solve problems. These findings have important implications and highlight the inherent benefits of art in promoting creativity, focus, productivity and well-being. But there's one clear winner in all this art-making.
Between drawing, coloring and doodling, the latter takes the cake. When you are facing a challenging project or problem at work and feel stuck, the solution is to start doodling. Doodling is a simple and accessible activity that can help you tap into your creative side and generate new ideas. In doodling, your mind is free to wander, and you can explore different thoughts and possibilities. The act of doodling also has a calming effect, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, making it an excellent tool for improving your overall well-being, which also will make you more productive.
Besides its stress-reducing capabilities, doodling can enhance a person's problem-solving and communication skills in the workplace. Many successful people use doodling to boost their creativity and focus. This fact challenges the misconception that doodling is a mere distraction.