Harvard University has released a report which found direct correlations between an unhappy mind and the amount of time an individual spends daydreaming.
Over 2200 people, aged 18 to 88, downloaded an iphone application which contacted participants throughout the day and asked them a variety of questions, including what they were doing, were they focused on what they were doing, and how it made them feel. Many people replied to survey regardless of what they were doing.
After compiling the 250,000 responses, the study found that people in the US spend 46.9% of the time daydreaming, focused on something else rather than what they are doing. The study also concluded that a direct correlation between the moods of people, and the amount of time spent daydreaming exists. Subjects who spent time focused on negative thoughts during the day, rather than the task at hand, were classified as unhappy. Alternatively, subjects who remained focused, and limited their dreaming, had a tendency to be happier.
“Many philosophical and religious traditions teach happiness is to be found by living in the moment.” researchers said, “They suggest that a wandering mind is an unhappy mind.” Apparently, participants are least happy when they are resting or working, and most happy when in conversation, making love, or working out. Wandering minds, however, add to ones creative ability, planning, and problem solving.
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