The BBC reports that a new study has found that doodling may help with memory recall. Doodlers performed 29% better in the study than non-doodlers. The scientists said the doodling may keep people from distracting daydreaming and help keep them focused on the tasks at hand. Plymouth University researchers carried out memory tests on 40 volunteers, asking them to listen to a phone call and recall names and places.

Doodlers performed 29% better than non-doodlers, the team found. Experts said doodling stopped people from daydreaming, which was a more taxing diversion, and so was good at helping people focus on mundane tasks.

During the study, half of the volunteers were asked to colour in shapes on a piece of paper while they listened to a 2.5 minute telephone message. It might help even more if your doodles are related to what you are trying to learn or remember.

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President Barack Obama, center, flanked by AARP Chief Executive Officer A. Barry Rand, left, and AARP President Jennie Chin Hansen, participates in an AARP tele-town hall on health care, Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in Washington.

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