Doodling At Work

One of my main coping mechanisms for my TS is drawing and making.  I have recently found that focusing on a task for a few minutes at a time really helps me to chill out.  It has been proven that voluntary physical activity counteracts the involuntary movement, so that when we do something consciously it cancels out the involuntary movements or sounds.  For me, I find my tics get worse when I am over working or somewhere where I need to be still and focused for a long period of time.  I have found that doodling really helps me when I am static and where I feel most anxious-places where I need to concentrate and there is no escape!

A couple of months ago I was in a meeting for about 5 hours and I nearly flipped the table over because my tics were building and I could not let them out. I find that when I am drawing it frees up the space in my mind to concentrate and listen to what is going on around me, because I am not sat there thinking about trying not to tic, (which usually makes me tic) it is a beautiful distraction.

When working with Biggerhouse films on the "Different Voices 2" project I was amazed at how fluid the working process was. Pens and paper were always available, people coming and going, or sitting on the floor, or lying down. To some it would seem like we were distracted and not engaged, but we were making incredible work.  We termed it a "Slow Workshop". It meant there was no rush to get things done. Allow the process evolve naturally. React to the moment.  Meetings were always fun and regularly drifted to the unusual because there was always something going on. For example, one chap made a sculpture of a house out of paper as we sat and discussed the next phase of the project. This typical sign of distraction did not mean he was disengaged. It was his way of processing his thoughts and a way for him to reflect. We were all present, being who we are and individually engaging in the meeting through our own unique methods. A lot more innovative and quite a distance from the draconian way lessons "should" be taught.

This experience has taught me to carry a notebook and coloured felt-tips at all times. I haven't quite developed the confidence to pull out my note pad in a board meeting yet, but I think I will, and if someone asks I will tell them that drawing helps me to relax, to focus, and to be in the moment.  I usually draw what I am seeing and hearing, and it is relevant. When I'm sketching I find that I am more observant, I see detail and it gives me a change of perspective.  I see light and dark, shadows, meaning, line, negative space. I especially love drawing people!

This post is also aiming to encourage more of us to think about "work spaces" and how they could be more creative, accessible and fluid.  Maybe it should be a cosy space, or a bright space with a scattering of pens and paper, colourful, with a selection of fidget toys, or a wide variety of reading material in large fonts with some calming beats on shuffle in the background. Get out of the rigid office meeting rooms, and the rigid office meeting structures. Creativity is an organic process, ask participants what they need.

Since developing this theory, I have discovered a great Ted Talk called "Doodlers unite!" by Sunni Brown, where she posits some compelling arguments for the acceptance of doodling in the classroom, the workplace and the war room. Have a watch and see what you think.

Any suggestions, comments or doodles, hit me up below.