Daydreaming has a bad reputation. A stigma it can't shift. You know the score - 'away with the fairies' or 'get your head out of the clouds!'. People perceived as being lazy, distracted or even disinterested...
Well believe it or not, not all daydreams are bad. Research shows that being alone with our thoughts (positive thoughts) can actually have beneficial impacts on our mental wellbeing, emotional resilience and mood state. Not convinced? Lets explore the facts and why psychologists are all talking about the benefits of taking a 'mental escape'.
6 FACTS ABOUT DAYDREAMING THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
- We spend on average, 47% of our waking time daydreaming - and by we, we mean everyone!
- The average daydream lasts just 14 seconds.
- Fantasizing can help alleviate stress and anxiety. Positive daydreams and immersive daydreaming produces healthy amounts of dopamine and oxytocin in the brain.
- People whose minds tend to wander may, in fact, be smarter and more creative due to having more efficient brains.
- There is no such thing as a common daydream. They are extremely personal and differ with each individual.
- Social daydreams - those which feature other people - increases feelings of love, connection and happiness.
WHY DREAM THERAPY & SCENT ARE THE PERFECT MATCH
Ever smelt something like someone's perfume or a burning candle and immediately been reminded of a distant memory? This same mental process works for daydreams - except instead of memory recall it inspires free, spontaneous thoughts.How and why? Well that's because scent is proven to activate our imagination. It's the most powerful sensory trigger for fantasies and daydreams - even more effective than visual stimuli.
PUT YOUR HEAD IN THE CLOUDS
Its important to stress that candles are not a cure for mental health. But everyday daydreams are considered a type of personal 'dream therapy' and 'therapeutic entertainment'. And scent plays an important role in switching negative, ruminative thoughts that cause anxiety and stress, with positive daydreams which enhances creativity, problem-solving and mood.
So while we’re often told that having our head in the clouds is a waste of time, daydreaming is scientifically proven to be good for you - and scents open up the door to our inner subconscious. Think less mindfulness, more following Alice down the rabbit hole and embracing where your mind takes you. What you waiting for? Grab yourself a scent-inspired daydream candle and see for yourself.
Happy DAYDREAMIN' 💙
*References - Well+Good, Jennifer Freed, Ph.D, Psychologies.co.uk, University of Copenhagen, Science Direct, Eric Klinger, professor of psychology at the University of Minnesota, Keep daydreaming, Medium, Goop and Web M.D.