We all daydream, most of us quite often during any given day. The question is, how do you react to your daydreams? Do you see them as distractions to your focused and productive brain time – as a waste of time? When you notice yourself daydreaming, do you immediately “bring yourself back to reality?”

There’s some very interesting scientific research that shows that daydreaming is much more prevalent (perhaps as much as 1/3 of our waking time), and much more productive than we’ve ever imagined.

This research suggests that daydreaming, or mind-wandering, is actually our mind’s “default state.” When we are not focused on outside stimulus, like when we’re doing tasks that require little attention, out mind naturally wanders.

That’s not too surprising, is it?

What is very interesting, though, is that the same research shows our brain is actually working harder in the areas of complex thought (like problem solving) when it’s daydreaming than when our thoughts are focused on tasks and outside stimuli.

Sounds like maybe we have access to some (internal) resources that we may be overlooking.

Just for today, let’s do an experiment:
Keep a pad near you, and pay attention to what’s going on in your mind. Without trying to influence it, just notice all the times you “disconnect” from what you’re doing and where you are.

When you’re showering, getting dressed, driving, doing laundry – any of the mundane tasks that you do without a lot of conscious thought – pay attention to what your mind is doing.

Each time your mind wanders from what’s in front of you, jot down a word or two about where it goes, unless you’re driving, of course.

We’re going to be talking about ways to harness this natural resource on our blog this week.

So, let’s start with just noticing any patterns in your daydreams – themes and recurring thoughts. You might be surprised at what you’re really doing all day.

Just Imagine That!