Using Drawing to Aid in Memory and Relief

 

When many people consider scribbling or doodling, they often believe there are more productive ways to spend their time. However, it turns out that drawing, doodling, and scribbling can actually help boost our recall, especially during incredibly dull moments:

In 2009, psychologist Jackie Andrade asked 40 people to monitor a 2-½ minute dull and rambling voice mail message. Half of the group doodled while they did this (they shaded in a shape), and the other half did not. They were not aware that their memories would be tested after the call. Surprisingly, when both groups were asked to recall details from the call, those that doodled were better at paying attention to the message and recalling the details. They recalled 29% more information! [1]

I've always felt that my urge to draw stemmed from a need to be engaged. Growing up as an only child without the plethora of entertainment options available today, drawing was my go-to pastime. It was either that or creating WWE storylines using action figures with wrestler names like "The Stone" (a remix of "The Rock").

Moreover, doodling, scribbling, or drawing might not only enhance memory, but also provide psychological relief [1].  I know this very well.  I love scribbling and using exhilarating lines to communicate what I am seeing/drawing.  See for yourself.  Below are a couple of videos and pictures showcasing my drawing attempts.  

My first attempt was a warm up.   I really wanted to make wild lines and just scribble, scribble, scribble until I had an idea of where I was going…

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My second attempt was more intentional.  I realized that I wasn’t describing the form as well as I could because I was ignoring the light source in favor of drawing wild lines.  I attempted to combine the best of both worlds on the second attempt…

The Love Trollinger Initiative LLC (c) 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Finally, on the third attempt, I wasn’t able to get a video of it.  I paused the video right as I started recording due to some interference, so I completed the rest of the drawing from memory and imagination.   How fitting… 

The Love Trollinger Initiative LLC (c) 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Works Cited:

[1] The “Thinking” Benefits of Doodling. Harvard Health. (2016, December 15). https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-thinking-benefits-of-doodling-2016121510844