KEEP THE FIRE STOKED Absence makes the heart grow fonder, especially among daydreamers. Happy couples tend to think about one another when they're apart, which has the effect of psychologically maintaining the relationship.
CLEAR OBSTACLES Studies show that after a few minutes of daydreaming, folks get back into the swing of things without having to deal with negative thoughts or mental obstacles. Try it: If you’re dreading those household chores, sit on the couch for ten minutes and enjoy a mini mind vacation. Chances are when you come back to reality, you’ll be ready to roll up your sleeves and get down to business.
ACHIEVE GOALS What if you want to write your memoirs? Start by allowing yourself to daydream about putting words to paper or screen and then visualize its publication. The same tactic is beneficial for almost any creative endeavor.
But keep in mind that there are also potential negatives to daydreaming. Obsessive thinking, for example, can interfere with day-to-day functioning in some cases. Likewise, lonely people can further isolate themselves if they spend too much time ruminating about the past. So be sure to be the one in charge of your daydreams. Don’t let them run away with you.
Robin Westen is ThirdAge’s medical reporter. Check for her daily updates. Her latest book, co-written with Dr. Alyssa Dweck, is “V Is For Vagina.”
