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Increases creativity -

Evidence suggests that daydreaming can increase creativity. Have you ever wondered why most of your best ideas come when you’re not concentrating?

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Increases creativity -

In one study at UC Santa Barbara, the control group who were told to let their minds wander while completing a creative task came up with 41% more possibilities than the group who kept concentrating.

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Decreases anxiety - According to one 2016 study from the University of British Columbia, daydreaming can also decrease anxiety by letting the mind wander away from intrusive thoughts.

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Decreases anxiety -

It can be helpful to think of it like a meditation: recognize the thought, accept it, and let it flow through you rather than pushing it away.

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Strengthens relationships -

Daydreaming may even help strengthen relationships. Indeed, one study from 2016 showed that daydreaming could be a good substitute when loved ones are not near.

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Strengthens relationship -

The study showed that participants who daydreamed about their significant other who was unavailable had “increased feelings of love, connection, and belonging.”

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Increases productivity -

Then there is the question of productivity. When it comes down to it, the key to being more productive is taking breaks, even if it's a daydreaming one.

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Increases productivity -

Next time you’re feeling tired at work or frustrated because you’re not getting anything done, consider whether it might be time for a little vacation of the mind!

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Improves mood at work -

Daydreaming can also make people happier at work, whether they are stressed about meeting deadlines or are not spending enough time at home.

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Improves mood at work -

One recent study showed that if you let your mind wander after, for example, a stressful meeting, you return to work feeling more positive.

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Helps you achieve goals - Finally, daydreaming can help you achieve your goals. When it comes to getting where you want to go, daydreaming (i.e. visualizing) is a great place to start.

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Helps you achieve goals -

You can’t just stop at the daydreaming, however. You also need to visualize the obstacles you might encounter and devise a plan to overcome them.

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Everything in moderation -

While there are several benefits to engaging in a little daydreaming, it is important to recognize that there is such a thing as too much daydreaming.

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Maladaptive daydreaming (MDD) -

Moderation is, of course, key. In excess, daydreaming can be harmful. If someone daydreams too much, it is referred to as maladaptive daydreaming (MDD).

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The definition -

MDD occurs when someone is so consumed by their daydreams that they are unable to go about their daily life and activities.

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Warning signs -

If you suspect that you or someone close to you may struggle with MDD, there are certain indicators to look out for.

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Warning signs -

Watch out for involuntary facial expressions, repetitive body movements, and vocalizations that come with daydreams.

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Warning signs -

Long-lasting daydreams, too, can be a sign of MDD, as well as an overpowering urge to keep daydreaming, problems focusing, and trouble sleeping.

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Daydreaming as you age -

By contrast, many people find that they start to daydream less as they get older. To a large extent, this is because daydreaming tends to focus on the future, and the future becomes more certain as we age.

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Daydreaming as you age -

However, it is important to remember that daydreaming can still be leveraged to improve creativity and productivity, no matter a person’s age.

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Top tips for proper daydreaming -

While getting lost in a daydream can seem a welcome break from whatever tedious task might be at hand, daydreaming with intention can sometimes be tricky.

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Get the setting right - The ideal time to drift off is when you’re doing a menial task that does not require much attention, such as showering, gardening, or brushing your teeth.

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Get the setting right -

It might be tempting to just sit on the sofa and give it a go, but studies show it is easier to daydream while engaged in a menial task than when doing nothing at all.

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Think positive -

It is also important to focus on positive, interesting, and engaging thoughts. Too often people focus on the wrong things when their mind wanders.

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Think positive - For instance, try not to use your daydreaming time to plan your day. This probably won’t be a pleasant experience, as it could cause stress or even upset.

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Think positive - Instead, think about an event you are looking forward to, or even a future accomplishment. You might like to include your loved ones in the daydream, too.

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Think interesting -

If you are looking to boost your creativity by daydreaming, try and focus on ideas that you find curious or particularly interesting.

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Think interesting - You might have read an article or listened to a podcast whose themes piqued your interest, for example. Try and think about that while completing a menial task.

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Think interesting -

If you take a break from a difficult task to do this, you may find that when you come back to the task, you come up with a creative solution you had never previously considered.

Sources: (TED-Ed) (Glamour) (The New York Times)

See also: Can you really "manifest" your dreams?

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