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A daydream is an imagined fantasy, typically one of happy, pleasant thoughts, hopes or ambitions, seen as real, and experienced while awake. A daydream is a vision played in your mind of hopes or ambitions that you imagine would be wonderful if it could be true.
What did you dream about when you were growing up? Your daydreams could have been filled with adventure, romance, travel, and success. At that time in your life, the world was filled with wonder and unlimited possibilities. You freely let your mind wander. You imagined numerous scenarios.
Unfortunately, too many people condemn daydreaming as a lazy, frivolous waste of time. As children, we are admonished to refrain from daydreaming. As such, we develop an aversion to it and suppress it later in life. Labeling someone a daydreamer is synonymous with calling them unrealistic or unproductive.
Contrary to common misperception, daydreaming has numerous benefits that are helpful in a variety of areas. This is based on the fact that daydreaming taps into the power of your mind to transform thoughts into reality.
Studies have shown that brain activity is higher during daydreaming than when focusing on routine tasks. Daydreaming directs your brain to concentrate on any topic, challenge, goal, situation, issue, or problem you choose. Once so directed, your brain works 24/7 on whatever thoughts it is fed.
Daydreaming is an effective strategy when faced with problems. Letting your mind wander enables you to explore various options. The parts of your brain associated with problem solving actually become more active.
When seeking solutions, daydreaming allows you to review past events to identify the cause of any problems. You can then assess different strategies to help pick the most effective approach.
Dealing with conflict is also aided by daydreaming. You can review the origin of the conflict, while assessing what you did right and what you did wrong. Next, use your daydream to determine the most effective course of action. Evaluate different scenarios that could help manage or eliminate the conflict.
Relaxation is another benefit of daydreaming. You find serenity by reliving pleasant experiences. You can imagine yourself engaging in virtually any enjoyable endeavor. This type of mental escape allows you to recharge and improve your mood. Taking brief breaks in this manner also boosts your productivity. Daydreams are a built in entertainment center that enable you to combat boredom or monotony.
Daydreaming is a powerful tool for goal attainment. You visualize yourself being successful and experience all of your emotions associated with attaining your dreams. In so doing, you unleash your mind to work nonstop to devise a way to bring your dreams into reality.
Boosting your creativity is another benefit of daydreaming. Your daydreams can explore any possibility. In your mind anything is possible. Through daydreaming, your brain is transformed into an idea simulator without any limitations. You can truly imagine anything.
Maintaining relationships is another advantage of daydreaming. You can fill your mind with images and happy thoughts of the important people in your life. This process maintains and strengthens emotional ties to those individuals.
When faced with challenges, daydreaming aids you in solidifying your beliefs and values. In your mind, you review what you will do or say in response to various scenarios. You can plan what points you want to make along with deciding what is acceptable.
Daydream at every opportunity. It’s good for you. Let your mind wander in order to explore anything and everything. Daydreaming is healthy and beneficial. Enjoy it!
NOW AVAILABLE: "Dare to Live Without Limits," the book. Visit www.BryanGolden.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a management consultant, motivational speaker, author, and adjunct professor. E-mail Bryan at
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or write him c/o this paper. 2011 Bryan Golden
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