Daydreaming Your Way to a Healthy Mind
What is Daydreaming? In 2009 the University of Oregon used MRI tests on daydreamers and concluded that the studies "suggest that mind wandering may evoke a unique mental state that may allow otherwise opposing networks to work in cooperation.
" These two opposing networks are the "executive" and "default" networks.
The first is involved in decision making, planning, error correction, troubleshooting, dangerous and technically difficult situations, the kind that learned behaviors do not cover.
The second, or "default" network is operating when we appear to be on "automatic pilot" and the brain is not focused on its surroundings, but in a relaxed state.
Mental Health Benefits of Daydreaming Amongst the major benefits of learning to use daydreaming to increase mental health and stability is a more open and flexible mind that is relieved of stress by periods of rest while daydreaming.
We all know the type of person that never rests until exhaustion forces sleep.
They are visible on all forms of public transport, texting away to customers, editing spreadsheets on tiny notebooks and look tense, unhappy and ill.
The often unconscious and happy smile on the face of the man gazing out of the window comes from his relaxed brain taking a daydreaming break.
He may be plugged into his iPod, but his mind is off elsewhere, having fun! Daydreaming can also play a part in overcoming the obstacles that create mental tension in out inner dialogues.
No sooner than we think, "I really must lose some weight" daydreaming about just how that is possible can begin to offer solutions, and preview the rewards, offering incentives such as that triumphant shopping trip where all the nice clothes fit really well.
Daydreaming, by its interface with regions of the brain we do not fully understand, can throw up solutions we cannot otherwise "see".
How to Daydream Creativity The ideal setting for creative daydreaming is anywhere at all it is not dangerous to take your attention off your current surroundings.
Driving would, of course, be a bad time to practice it, but once the habit is established, it is very easy to slip into almost anywhere, as needed.
For special sessions, or to get started, follow these tips.
Hunger is an enemy of a calm mind, as the body is programmed to interrupt you with demands for food.
Take care of that before you start.
Turn everything off, including the TV, home and mobile phones, music players and computers.
Dim the lights if that is possible.
Don't try too hard.
At first, just relax and see what comes to mind.
Leave specific goals for later sessions.
Take care that the daydream does not turn into real dreaming.
Keep writing tools handy, as some solutions that arise in daydreaming can vanish as you re-enter the busy world.
You are now ready to start daydreaming your way to a healthy mind
" These two opposing networks are the "executive" and "default" networks.
The first is involved in decision making, planning, error correction, troubleshooting, dangerous and technically difficult situations, the kind that learned behaviors do not cover.
The second, or "default" network is operating when we appear to be on "automatic pilot" and the brain is not focused on its surroundings, but in a relaxed state.
Mental Health Benefits of Daydreaming Amongst the major benefits of learning to use daydreaming to increase mental health and stability is a more open and flexible mind that is relieved of stress by periods of rest while daydreaming.
We all know the type of person that never rests until exhaustion forces sleep.
They are visible on all forms of public transport, texting away to customers, editing spreadsheets on tiny notebooks and look tense, unhappy and ill.
The often unconscious and happy smile on the face of the man gazing out of the window comes from his relaxed brain taking a daydreaming break.
He may be plugged into his iPod, but his mind is off elsewhere, having fun! Daydreaming can also play a part in overcoming the obstacles that create mental tension in out inner dialogues.
No sooner than we think, "I really must lose some weight" daydreaming about just how that is possible can begin to offer solutions, and preview the rewards, offering incentives such as that triumphant shopping trip where all the nice clothes fit really well.
Daydreaming, by its interface with regions of the brain we do not fully understand, can throw up solutions we cannot otherwise "see".
How to Daydream Creativity The ideal setting for creative daydreaming is anywhere at all it is not dangerous to take your attention off your current surroundings.
Driving would, of course, be a bad time to practice it, but once the habit is established, it is very easy to slip into almost anywhere, as needed.
For special sessions, or to get started, follow these tips.
Hunger is an enemy of a calm mind, as the body is programmed to interrupt you with demands for food.
Take care of that before you start.
Turn everything off, including the TV, home and mobile phones, music players and computers.
Dim the lights if that is possible.
Don't try too hard.
At first, just relax and see what comes to mind.
Leave specific goals for later sessions.
Take care that the daydream does not turn into real dreaming.
Keep writing tools handy, as some solutions that arise in daydreaming can vanish as you re-enter the busy world.
You are now ready to start daydreaming your way to a healthy mind
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