There's a finding in New York Times' science section that touts the creative benefits of daydreaming...
"At long last, the doodling daydreamer is getting some respect"
Mind wandering, as psychologists define it, is a subcategory of daydreaming, which is the broad term for all stray thoughts and fantasies, including those moments you deliberately set aside to imagine yourself winning the lottery or becoming the noble. But when you’re trying to accomplish one thing and lapse into “task-unrelated thoughts,” that’s mind wandering.
Mind wandering, as psychologists define it, is a subcategory of daydreaming, which is the broad term for all stray thoughts and fantasies, including those moments you deliberately set aside to imagine yourself winning the lottery or becoming the noble. But when you’re trying to accomplish one thing and lapse into “task-unrelated thoughts,” that’s mind wandering.
Psychologists also found that people's minds seem to wander 30 percent of the time during waking hours.
Researchers have been analyzing those stray thoughts, they’ve found daydreaming is "remarkably common — and often quite useful. A wandering mind can protect you from immediate perils and keep you on course toward long-term goals. Sometimes daydreaming is counterproductive, but sometimes it fosters creativity and helps you solve problems."
To encourage this creative process, it is suggested that to go jogging, take a walk, do some knitting or just sit around doodling, because relatively undemanding tasks seem to free your mind to wander productively. But you also want to be able to catch the idea at the Eureka moment!
"For creativity you need your mind to wander" Mr. Professional says.
That's the reason why i am doing it so often. Maybe not 30% but half of my waking hours!LOL!
