The Science of Why Doodling in Class Was Never Actually a Waste of Time

If you've ever been told,

"Stop doodling and pay attention."

...you might deserve a small apology.

Researchers have found that simple doodling can actually help some people stay focused, remember information and stop their minds from wandering.

It turns out that giving your hands something small to do can keep your brain engaged instead of drifting off into thoughts like:

"What if penguins had knees?"

or

"Did I leave my charger at home?"

That's why you'll often see people absent-mindedly drawing stars, flowers, boxes or random squiggles while they're listening.

It's not always distraction.

Sometimes it's concentration wearing a funny disguise.

Of course, if you're creating an entire comic book instead of listening, that's a different story.

But the occasional doodle?

Science says it might actually be helping.

So the next time you find yourself covering the corner of your notebook with tiny hearts, smiley faces or questionable stick figures...

Don't worry too much.

Your brain might just be thinking out loud.