To be happy and healthy 10 reasons why more daydreaming helps.

How many kids are told to stop daydreaming?

As adults we feel guilty for “drifting away”.

Turns out daydreamers have brains that are so efficient with significant brain capacity they can’t prevent their minds from wandering.

Research from the Georgia Tech psychology department measured brain patterns in volunteers stretched out in MRI machines.?Their findings; “reminded them of the absent-minded professor -- someone who's brilliant, but off in their own world, sometimes oblivious to their surroundings”.

In addition, Harvard researchers sampled over 2,200 people in a study that determined their minds wandered over 46% of the time, mostly about positive and creative things.

Next time you feel the urge to "daydream", embrace it and use it to your advantage.

“Daydream, imagine, and reflect. It's the source of infinite creativity”.?Deepak Chopra

Here are 10 reasons why daydreaming is good:

Brain building

By focusing on positive memories and contemplating a beautiful future we create neural pathways compliments of neuroplasticity.?It’s a complex brain building exercise with positive benefits.???

Brain retreat

Our brain basically has two main systems, one dedicated to decision-making or the analytic part, and the relatable empathetic part. When either of these systems are engaged the opposing system "takes a break". Daydreaming encourages cyclical movement between these two parts of our brain, resulting in a beautiful rhythm that allows for adequate rest between these synergistic systems.

More creativity

Many musicians and authors credit daydreaming for their best innovations.?I must confess, it works for me as well.?The reason it works, our brain meanders between two distinctly different systems. When our brain gathers new information, it helps in the formation of new and creative ideas.

More emotionally intelligent

Daydreaming allows us to be more empathetic if we utilize the time to contemplate other people’s reality.?This exercise promotes better understanding, open mindedness, compassion and more effective communication.?Combine this practice with better listening and the results are greater emotional intelligence.???

Better connection

Approach oriented daydreams promote better interpersonal relationships.?When we focus on approach-oriented daydreaming, we imagine positive interaction with the people we love, which leads to more happiness, empathy, and connection.?The alternative, avoidance-oriented daydreaming which emphasizes negative interaction and promotes division.

Improved memory

Recent research from the University of Wisconsin shows daydreaming strengthens memory by recalling information despite distractions.?

“Daydream transports the dreamer outside the immediate world to a world that bears the mark on infinity”.???Gaston Bachelard

Better productivity

Cornell University has conducted studies that show a strong correlation between daydreaming and increased performance and productivity.?Positive self-directed thoughts improved productivity and task performance.?Another reason positive self-talk is so important.?

Better health

Daydreaming reduces stress.?Research shows it’s a form of low-level self-hypnosis. Try lowering your stress on purpose by daydreaming before a big event. ?Daydreaming is also linked with better brain health. Patients who suffer from autism and Alzheimer's disease?have seen positive results from this form of “self-hypnosis”. There’s also a strong connection between daydreaming better sleep.

Goal orientated

By daydreaming we reduce stress, increase performance, improve memory, and increase productivity.?No surprise achieving goals improves as well.?Research indicates that by drifting away our problem-solving capabilities improve.?

More happiness

At Anatomy of Success, we advocate doing things that increase happiness each day, and daydreaming works.?Mental retreats allow our mind to drift away, which promotes hope and optimistic anticipation, both impact increased happiness.?The key is to focus on positive thoughts and avoid contemplating negative outcomes.??????

“Unlike any other form of thought, daydreaming is its own reward”.?Michael Pollan

Sum it up

Do you daydream??Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.??Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.?Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success.?Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn.?Learn more about my work and grab the free Weatherology mobile app by clicking any picture in this article!