Pipe dreaming – Why it’s good for you!

Pipe dreaming has a bad reputation; Many children (adults too!) are being labeled as ADD or unfocused when, in fact, there are many benefits to getting lost in thought! We spend an estimated third to half of our lives pipe dreaming!

Research shows imagination is crucial to children’s’ cognitive development and enhances wellness, happiness and creativity, and, if  harnessed correctly, the positives of using our imagination can outweigh the negatives.

Here are some great reasons why this seemingly mindless activity is good for you!

 It may make you more empathetic

Research suggests that there may be a link between memory, imagination and our ability to be empathetic. Imagining a scenario or picturing something that we haven’t experienced ourselves, may make it easier to understand what someone else is going through.

Enhanced Memory

According to the American Psychological Association, imagining something from a personal perspective can be an effective way to recall specific information on command. As a result, imagination could help in memory rehabilitation for those who may have suffered from impairments due to a brain injury.

Self-discovery

Psychologists have theorized that individuals who have realized their full potential and purpose usually do it through their ability to imagine those possibilities first. Dr. Srini Pillay, M.D. wrote, “Imagining activates brain regions that can unconsciously map your path to success.”

Creativity

Your undirected thinking might lead you to concrete, creative outcomes.

Pipe dreaming  leads to intangible forms of creativity too.  It is useful for your work life.

Lifted Moods

When thinking about our dreams, or replaying happy memories in our minds, It’s quite obvious that we would as a result start feeling happier and more positive. And when we are feeling happy, everyone around us feels it too!