Sun Sep 15 16:00:30 UTC 2024: ## Daydreaming: The Skill We All Need to Practice for Happiness

**London, UK -** We all possess an instrument capable of generating happiness, but it requires practice – daydreaming. While many find it difficult to enjoy their own thoughts, a new study reveals that daydreaming can be a powerful tool for boosting well-being, if done right.

The research, published in the journal *Emotion*, was led by Dr. Erin Westgate, who discovered that most people struggle with pleasant daydreaming for two main reasons. First, it’s cognitively demanding. Dr. Westgate explains that it’s “like being the actor, director, screenwriter, and audience of a mental performance.” Second, people often approach daydreaming incorrectly.

The study found that when instructed to think meaningful thoughts, participants didn’t enjoy it, likely because they lacked direction. Dr. Westgate realized that most people don’t know what to think about to have a positive experience.

The solution? Give yourself specific topics to daydream about. The study showed that people enjoyed daydreaming 50% more when given prompts like “a happy memory” or “your ideal future” than when left to their own devices.

Dr. Westgate highlights four key takeaways for mastering the art of daydreaming:

1. **Choose your subjects.** Have specific topics ready to engage your mind, making it easier to enter a positive mental state.
2. **Practice, practice, practice.** Just like any skill, daydreaming requires consistent effort. Don’t be discouraged if you find it difficult at first.
3. **Avoid planning.** While planning may seem enjoyable, it actually hinders the positive experience of daydreaming.
4. **Choose the right time.** Instead of reaching for your phone, try daydreaming while walking or during other moments of downtime.

Dr. Westgate emphasizes that daydreaming is a unique ability that allows us to explore new realities and improve our well-being. By practicing the right approach, anyone can unlock the power of daydreaming and experience its many benefits.

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