Daydreaming on a Summer’s Day
Larry Niven states that “everything starts as somebody’s daydream.” Yet many people view daydreaming as an unproductive waste of time. I heartily disagree with their assessment. Daydreams inspire creativity. They also provide a relaxing escape, a “mini-vacation” of sorts where you can release your tensions.
According to an article on WebMD, psychologists estimate that we daydream for one-third to one-half of our waking hours, although a single daydream lasts only a few minutes. These short daydreams offer many benefits. Happy couples tend to daydream about each other when they are apart. This mental connection helps couples maintain their relationships. Daydreams can also help curb anxiety when dealing with conflict. Have you ever replayed an argument in your mind? Oftentimes, we go back and respond differently in our daydreams, playing the argument over and over again. According to the experts cited in the article, this type of daydream enables you to improve your effectiveness in dealing with the person in the future, and it reduces knee-jerk reactions.
Some experts even state that you can decode your daydreams to better understand your mindset and pinpoint needs that you may be neglecting. For example, if you daydream about winning American Idol, you may feel undervalued and desire recognition. If you daydream about a romantic situation, you may desire your significant other to be more attentive or you may be subconsciously mulling the traits you seek in your next partner. Those who daydream about quitting their jobs to become beach bums tend to be bored and desire new creative opportunities. Their “escape” dreams are triggers that something be missing in their lives.
I tend to daydream about the things I want to accomplish. I envision it happening and visualize how I will overcome the obstacles standing in my way. I truly believe these daydreams help me achieve my goals. Remember, “everything starts as somebody’s daydream.” Even the dramas that have been penned by my hand all started as daydreams. It’s like watching television — all I have to do is write it down as the scenes play out in my head.
I also have to admit that I have the “escape” dreams. I’m not sure what that says about me. I don’t think I’m bored. Maybe I am missing something, or maybe I simply want to escape from the stress and find a place where I can do the things I am passionate about, the things that enable me to use my creative skills. Or maybe I need professional help? Who knows?
The next time you daydream, don’t feel guilty about it. Indulge those dreams. You may actually be doing something incredibly healthy for your mind, and you may gain some insight into your deepest wants and needs.
To quote Aerosmith…dream on!
