Feeling stressed, overwhelmed or you’re simply going through a lot? Here’s my favorite mental health tip: Dream more. If you think daydreaming is a waste of your time, think again!
Recent research shows it has many positive effects – here are the most important ones:
1. It develops creativity and problem solving. Allowing your mind to wander, fosters new connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. A study by Baird et al. (2012) found that engaging in simple tasks that encourage mind-wandering can improve creative problem-solving abilities. The participants who daydreamed during simple tasks performed better on creativity tests compared to those who did not engage in mind-wandering activities.
2. It improves memory and learning. Studies, such as those by Smallwood and Schooler (2015), suggest that mind-wandering facilitates the integration of new information. By offering a mental downtime, daydreaming boosts memory improvement and consolidation.
3. It boosts mental well-being and reduces stress. Research by Mooneyham and Schooler (2013) found that positive, future-oriented daydreaming can improve mood and overall mental well-being. Daydreaming can serve as a mental escape – it provides relief from stress and promotes relaxation.
So, are you convinced to try daydreaming out?
Here is how to do it:
1. prepare a hot coffee or tea
2. pick the coziest spot in your home
3. place your warm mug on a side table
4. make yourself comfortable, close your eyes
5. breath and imagine an ideal scene that involves you. Imagine who you spend your time with, how you behave, look and feel. Let the scene evolve.
And how do you know you’ve done it well?
Open your eyes and check if your hot drink got cold.
TL;DR:
Daydreaming helps you to:
- learn faster
- remove stress
- maintain hope
- relax your mind
- recharge your energy
- put things in perspective
- connect with your priorities.
