The Mental Emotional Health Blog

As we grew up, most of us had daydreaming scolded out of us. Actually, what I should say is that the idea that daydreaming is okay was scolded out of us. We all daydream. Plus, I think daydreaming is useful and healthy when used correctly.

Daydreaming allows you to escape your current situation, whether it is boring, frustrating, or you just don’t want to be there. It’s like a free vacation for a few minutes. Now obviously you shouldn’t get into deep daydreaming while you are driving. But in general, as long as you get the things done you need to, why not allow yourself the freedom to have some pleasant thoughts?

People that struggle with anxiety often have difficulty limiting their daydreaming, and the thoughts tend to be negative. The way to fight anxious thoughts is to find a variety of quick, soothing thoughts to combat them. It’s kind of like “finding your happy place” or bringing your comfort zone with you wherever you go.

With depression, daydreaming also needs to be positive because negative thinking can really persist when someone is depressed. Find some quick, positive thoughts such as nice vacation spots or good memories.

Daydreaming isn’t bad, and I would almost say it’s necessary for our sanity. I think daydreaming functions as a type of light meditation. As long as you aren’t completely avoiding your responsibilities, it can be a nice way to give yourself a break.

When it comes to taking care of myself, I admit I take it for granted sometimes. I encourage other people to practice good self-care, find time to relax, find some “me-time”, focus on breathing, or meditate.

And then there’s me. I have noticed that occasionally I fall into the myth that talking and thinking about wellness enough leads me to thinking I don’t need it as much myself. That looks silly to me when I actually write it out.

Today at lunch, I invested 10 minutes to just be quiet and focus on my breathing. I noticed my thoughts wandering quite a bit during those 10 minutes, which tells me I haven’t been giving myself enough quiet time/meditation for a while. So far (after lunch), I feel a little more calm and a little more control of my thoughts. But more than that, I am more aware of myself.

I guess this entry is an example of a therapist admitting his faults, and taking his own advice.