Drawing while making phone calls, or doodling, is a common human behavior that serves various psychological and cognitive purposes. People often engage in doodling for the following reasons:
Enhancing Focus and Concentration: Doodling can help some individuals stay focused during phone calls, especially if the conversation is lengthy or less engaging. It provides a secondary, less demanding task that occupies the hands and part of the brain, allowing the person to concentrate better on the call's content.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Drawing can be a relaxing and stress-relieving activity. When engaged in a phone call, especially during challenging or stressful discussions, doodling can act as a coping mechanism, helping to calm nerves and ease tension.
Improving Cognitive Processing: Some studies suggest that doodling may enhance information processing and memory retention. Doodling might stimulate certain areas of the brain, making it easier to comprehend and remember the conversation's key points.
Unconscious Expression of Thoughts and Feelings: Doodling is often an unconscious activity. The doodles created during a phone call might reveal underlying thoughts, emotions, or concerns that the person may not be consciously aware of. It can serve as a form of expression and insight into one's state of mind at that moment.
Boredom and Habit: Phone calls, especially those that are routine or less interactive, can sometimes lead to feelings of boredom. Doodling becomes a natural way to occupy oneself during such moments, driven by habit or a desire to keep the hands busy.
Creative Outlet: For some individuals, doodling is a way to nurture their creativity and imagination. The act of drawing, even if it's simple doodles, allows them to exercise their artistic side.
Personal Note-taking: Doodling can also serve as a form of note-taking during a conversation. While it may not be as organized as traditional note-taking, it helps visually represent ideas and concepts, which some people find helpful for later recall.
It's important to note that not everyone doodles during phone calls, and the reasons for doodling can vary from person to person. Some individuals may prefer other activities like pacing, fidgeting, or simply listening intently without any additional tasks. Doodling's benefits are subjective, and it depends on an individual's preferences, cognitive style, and the nature of the phone call itself.