Mind wandering is essential for a healthy brain.
We all do it naturally but it can be most rewarding to plan it into the day.
The Default Mode Network (DMN) also know as The Imagination Network, is about introspection. This is a part of the brain that looks at different ways to predict positive or negative outcomes and come up with solutions and ideas. It’s also involved in the storage of memories.
Neuroscience researcher, Mark Waldman, suggests that we need to spend half of our time in the DNM (imagination centre) and half in the thinking brain. He recommends 3 X 60-seconds of mindfulness exercises, per hour, throughout the working day.
Taking time out to let your mind wander or daydream a few times an hour is just as important as focusing on a task. In fact, staying focused for too long is counterproductive and can lead to mental fatigue.
A little bit of distraction is actually good for you. Every 20 minutes or so, take a few moments out to pause from your focussed attention. Become aware of where you are sitting, your posture and what you are doing. Look around you and then take a deep breath or yawn, stretch, relax, and shift your attention to an inner value, something you appreciate, something fun or silly, or just be mindful.
Find a happy balance. Too much time spent in the DMN can cause procrastination and even lead to anxiety or depression, so perhaps little and often is best.
It only takes a minute - let your imagination be free to wander down the pathway of your imagination and switch on those elevated emotions.