For the last few years I have been using mandalas to focus and bring my mind back from any place it wondered off to. They are basically circles (within a square) with ornate geometric symbols, sigils, and/or stories within them.

Wikipedia.org has a great quote about them:

In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and as an aid to meditation and trance induction.

There are many mandala coloring books available but they are also very easy and fulfilling to create by hand. One of the easiest ways to create a mandala is by drawing geometric shapes within themselves. For example, first draw a circle, then put a square within that circle letting the corners of the square touch the circle’s sides, then put a circle within the square, a triangle within the circle…etc., and decorate however you like!

Next time you find your mind wandering or overwhelmed break out that pencil or pen and find an old paper bag to doodle a mandala on. Remember, it does not have to be pretty or perfect or have some great symbolism. Just see what flows out of you when you let your mind calm and focus in on creating each line.