Yet More Benefits Of Daydreaming

Feeling loved

Most of our daydreams, up to 73% of them, feature social interactions with other people. This is because we're social animals, communication is a human need. Yet many of us are separated from our loved-ones, having to take jobs in other cities, away from the people we love, only communicating on the internet. Surely, it can be no surprise that our most common daydreams feature face-to-face interactions with other people.

It has been found that everyday daydreams featuring other people has been linked with greater feelings of love and connectedness. Happiness was also increased. These effects were not found in daydreams without social interactions. It was also found that daydreaming about close loved ones was particularly beneficial to our sense of wellbeing.

Future-planning

Daydreaming doesn't just present the opportunity for fantasising about a future in which you have a better job, a nicer house, or a family. Daydreaming can also inspire you to go for it. There is evidence that daydreaming gives you the grit you need to ignore distractions and write that novel, to get up the courage and ask your boss for a raise, to start saving money for a deposit on that house you keep dreaming about.

Future-planning in daydreaming isn't merely about fantasising. It can also give you the grit and determination to chase your dreams and turn them into reality.

Relief from Distress

Daydreaming can be a restful activity, allowing us to escape from a world in which we might be sick, or in pain, or experiencing a bitter break-up. Through daydreaming, we can escape the confines of our lives and look forward to a happier future: a future where we are healthy, can walk without pain, or have met someone new. This mental break is refreshing.

Happiness

Indulging in creative daydreams makes you happier. 105 students were asked to keep track of their moods, and if their minds were wandering, or if they were daydreaming. It was found that students who felt aimlessly distracted felt negatively about it. However, students who indulged in interesting or creative daydreams found that their happiness was increased.

Concerns about Daydreaming

is mostly good for us, leading to improved mood, increased creativity, and better performance. However, daydreaming can decrease our mood. This happens if we embark on self-focused., self-destructive, negative thoughts. Such thoughts could lead to depression. If you find your daydreams becoming negative, it's important you stop them immediately. Simply say "stop", and direct your thoughts to something more positive.

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Conclusion

So there you have it. Seven benefits of daydreaming. Daydreaming gets a lot of unfair bad press. We've been warned against it since we were children. But if you open your mind to the possibilities, it has the potential to enrich our lives in so many ways: making us happier, more fulfilled, and even improving our memories.

So try a daydream today. And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm just going to win the lottery.

Happy dreaming!