Neuroscience says that this ONE rather brainless activity can lower your stress and make you more productive

[Anonymous]

When you feel stuck and need to spark your creative juices, this is the solution...

The current business environment can be intense, making the need for creativity crucial to achieve new solutions and original ideas. However, how do you activate people's creativity at work? This will sound far-fetched, but follow the science here.

How do you activate people's creativity at work?

How can you lower the stress level of yourself (and your children!) almost instantaneously?

This may sound far-fetched, but follow the science here...

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," said the study's lead author.

The advantages of creating art go beyond just the pleasure of the activity itself. According to surveys before and after the art-making 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.

Doodling gives you the most benefits!

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.

Doodling, the research suggests, can evoke positive emotions and should be considered a therapeutic tool for everyone, regardless of their skill level.
After all, we're talking doodling here, a judgment-free activity!

Since doodling frequently can have a positive impact on your mood, according to the research, the more you doodle, the stronger the mood-boosting effect can be. Studies have shown that doodling can help reduce stress and create a focused mindset.

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.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or need a break, take a few minutes to grab a pen and paper and let your mind wander --you might be surprised at the results.

Overall, doodling is a simple, yet effective practice that can benefit everyone!

[Anonymous]

Doodling? Okay, I do that sometimes, now I will do it more frequently. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Similar for me is coloring. I realize this when DC were small. I love to color and it really calms my mind.

[Anonymous]

Interesting. I always remind my kids to do this when too stressed.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for this!

Do you have a link to this article? I’d love to doodle more, and this inspires me to do so.

[Anonymous]

... so adult coloring books

[Anonymous]

Several studies came out about this when I was in college. In the 80s.

[Anonymous]

Cat pics and kittens or other small furry animal pictures is also a good mental break

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for this!

Do you have a link to this article? I’d love to doodle more, and this inspires me to do so.

Here you go.

https://www.inc.com/marcel-schwantes/neuroscience-says-one-rather-brainless-activity-can-lower-your-stress-make-you-more-productive.html

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the article OP! Reading it reminded me that I used to doodle a lot when I took classes that required a lot of memorizing, especially formulas. It was relaxing, and it really helped me with the memorization, as did music.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Similar for me is coloring. I realize this when DC were small. I love to color and it really calms my mind.

+1

[Anonymous]

Eff that noise. I do what I enjoy to relax, which in turn makes me more productive. Don't over complicate this.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eff that noise. I do what I enjoy to relax, which in turn makes me more productive. Don't over complicate this.

Well, it IS a Drexel University Study TM

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you feel stuck and need to spark your creative juices, this is the solution...

The current business environment can be intense, making the need for creativity crucial to achieve new solutions and original ideas. However, how do you activate people's creativity at work? This will sound far-fetched, but follow the science here.

How do you activate people's creativity at work?

How can you lower the stress level of yourself (and your children!) almost instantaneously?

This may sound far-fetched, but follow the science here...

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," said the study's lead author.

The advantages of creating art go beyond just the pleasure of the activity itself. According to surveys before and after the art-making 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.

Doodling gives you the most benefits!

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.

Doodling, the research suggests, can evoke positive emotions and should be considered a therapeutic tool for everyone, regardless of their skill level.
After all, we're talking doodling here, a judgment-free activity!

Since doodling frequently can have a positive impact on your mood, according to the research, the more you doodle, the stronger the mood-boosting effect can be. Studies have shown that doodling can help reduce stress and create a focused mindset.

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.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed or need a break, take a few minutes to grab a pen and paper and let your mind wander --you might be surprised at the results.

Overall, doodling is a simple, yet effective practice that can benefit everyone!

give credit please