

5 Ways to Use Drawing to Improve Memory
People try to improve their memories in many ways, but most people don't try drawing. That might change; a group of neuroscientists from the University of Waterloo has found that drawing is a great tool to help retain information, especially for older adults.
How Drawing Improves Memory
First of all, if you have trouble remembering information and taking notes on your laptop or smartphone, go back to pen and paper instead. Previous studies, such as one from 2014 (journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797614524581) in the journal Psychological Science, have found that writing longhand increases understanding and recall of information by activating different parts of the brain.
To remember information well, you have to flex your brain's muscles. Writing longhand slows people down and forces them to process and reframe information. With more parts of the brain working, more connections are created, making it easier to find that information again when needed.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have expanded this idea in two studies. The first found that drawing words instead of writing them helped improve recall of those words (journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1080/17470218.2015.1094494). The second showed that drawing has even more potential for helping older adults with memory because it creates connections to different parts of the brain that don't decline as quickly.
Researcher Myra Fernades says in a press statement that, "Drawing improves memory across a variety of tasks and populations, and the simplicity of the strategy means that it can be used in many settings" (eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/uow-dib120618.php). Drawing reshapes information in multiple ways, including "visual, spatial, verbal, semantic and motoric."
How to Improve Your Memory by Drawing
Some people might avoid drawing because they're unsure of their skills, but researchers also note that it doesn't matter if the graphics are good. It only matters that you're using more of your mind to process the information. Five simple ways to improve your memory by drawing include:
1. Doodling when taking notes. Whether in notes for meetings and lectures or in your schedule book, doodling in the margins will help you remember what exactly you meant by that scribbled note. When your brain sees the doddle, it will trigger your visual memory, allowing take you back to when you first drew it.
2. Add symbolic drawings for important information. If you need to remember to pick up frozen pizzas on your way home, drawing a cartoon pizza in your notes will help you remember even if you forget your shopping list. The symbols don't have to be perfect; they need to help your brain connect with the information you're taking in.
3. Add emotive doodles. What is your reaction to the information you're noting down? Maybe you're in a lecture, and you hate the lecturer's theory. Draw an angry face. Spending a second drawing an emotional expression will link the information to your memories of the moment.
4. Move around the page at will. Go where the information points you on the page. Use arrows to connect related ideas and doodles. Even if you don't like drawing much, simple measures, like drawing a frame around written bullet points with arrows to connected ideas, will clarify their relation to everything else on the page.
5. Use drawings as bookmarks. When creating long detailed notes, breaking up the words with pictures and headings will help guide you through your notes when you come back to them.
Drawing, whether you're good at it or not, is an effective way to retain information more completely. Add a few doodles or symbolic drawings when making essential notes, and it'll be much easier to remember when you need that information again.
Read More
-
Selecting the perfect meeting notebook is the first step to taking practical notes. Consider factors such as size, layout, and paper quality when choosing a notebook that suits your needs. A dedicated meeting notebook can help you maintain organization, allowing you to quickly reference past meetings and create a clear record of the information discussed. Opt for a notebook with sturdy binding, good paper quality, and a layout that works for your preferred note-taking style, such as ruled, grid, or dotted pages.Read now
-
How to Use a Meeting Notebook for Creative Brainstorming and Idea Generation
Using a meeting notebook can make brainstorming sessions much more convenient and organized than traditional methods. The luxurious paper makes for an enjoyable writing experience that lets you capture each thought without switching between multiple sheets of paper or documents. Additionally, modern notebooks feature two-page spreads that allow two people to write on the same page without disrupting each other’s thoughts – perfect for collaborative environments!Read now -
How To Start And Use A Whiskey Tasting Journal
- Be detailed in your descriptions. When it comes to tasting notes, more is always better. So include as much detail as possible about the whiskey's appearance, aroma, and flavor. What did you like or dislike about it? Would you recommend it to others?
Featured collection
-
Landscape Notebook
Write Notepads & Co.Original price €18,95 - Original price €18,95Original price€18,95€18,95 - €18,95Current price €18,95In stockNOTEBOOK DETAILS: You need a notebook that lets you take wide-format notes without worrying about the ink bleeding through the paper. Standard note...
View full detailsOriginal price €18,95 - Original price €18,95Original price€18,95€18,95 - €18,95Current price €18,95 -
Meeting Notebook
Write Notepads & Co.Original price €18,95 - Original price €18,95Original price€18,95€18,95 - €18,95Current price €18,95In stockNOTEBOOK DETAILS: The Meeting Notebook is perfect for busy professionals on the go. Crafted with sophisticated style and attention to detail, t...
View full detailsOriginal price €18,95 - Original price €18,95Original price€18,95€18,95 - €18,95Current price €18,95 -
Reporter Notebook
Write Notepads & Co.Original price €11,95 - Original price €11,95Original price€11,95€11,95 - €11,95Current price €11,95In stockThe Reporter Notebook is the perfect place for all your ideas, thoughts, and professional work. You can write notes on the go or sketch out design...
View full detailsOriginal price €11,95 - Original price €11,95Original price€11,95€11,95 - €11,95Current price €11,95 -
Weekly Planner
Write Notepads & Co.Original price €20,95 - Original price €20,95Original price€20,95€20,95 - €20,95Current price €20,95In stockNOTEBOOK DETAILS: Don't waste your time on complicated calendars and appointment books. The Write Notepads & Co. Undated 60-week Weekly Planne...
View full detailsOriginal price €20,95 - Original price €20,95Original price€20,95€20,95 - €20,95Current price €20,95 -
Pocket Ledger
Write Notepads & Co.Original price €8,95 - Original price €8,95Original price€8,95€8,95 - €8,95Current price €8,95In stockWhether you need a daily task planner, map your next trip, or jot down a simple grocery list — this little book is here for you. Perfectly sized to...
View full detailsOriginal price €8,95 - Original price €8,95Original price€8,95€8,95 - €8,95Current price €8,95