It Pays to be a Daydream Believer in a Fast-Moving Age

Express UK:

DON’T feel guilty if you ever find yourself staring blankly into space – a study claims that daydreaming is actually good for you.

In today’s fast-moving world, the long-lost art of quiet reflection may be increasingly valuable.

The brain at rest is used for ­“constructive internal reflection”. This is critical for learning from past experiences and appreciating future choices, say researchers.

Moments spent drifting away ­aimlessly are especially valuable for young people as it allows them to “understand and manage themselves” in social situations, such as dealing with work colleagues.

Study author Mary Helen Immordino-­Yang, of the University of Southern Carolina, said: “We focus on the outside world in education and don’t look much at inwardly focused reflective skills and ­attentions. But inward focus impacts the way we build memories, make meaning and transfer that learning into new contexts.

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