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Reading 2 min.
in collaboration with
Amélie Boukhobza (Clinical psychologist)
Letting your mind wander (in transport, while having your coffee, when you are waiting, etc.) is a normal, even healthy, habit. But to what extent? Our psychologist Amélie Boukhobza explains the difference between daydreaming and compulsive daydreaming.
Remaking the world, finding the answer we would have liked to have had, planning our next vacation… We all have moments when our mind wanders, despite ourselves, and sometimes for several minutes, outside of time. Is it serious doctor ?
Dreaming allows us to be happier
Daydreaming, in itself, is not a problem. It can even be helpful at certain times, to calm down or refocus, as Amélie Boukhobza, clinical psychologist, explains:
“Daydreaming can be a source of creativity, as in the case of writers or artists for example; if it is a relaxation and an escape, if it allows a break from the stress of everyday life, or if it is an attempt to resolve problematic situations by imagining different response scenarios as a mental rehearsal for real life, no problem !”
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology in 2022 also said: letting your mind wander would also allow you to be happier and in better health.
When fantasizing about your life becomes problematic
We spend around 30% of our time ruminating on thoughts that are not linked to what we do in real time, according to surveys carried out by the University of Sussex (United Kingdom) and relayed by The Conversation. But for about 2.5% of adults, these daydreams may be considered excessive, a potential disorder known as “compulsive daydreaming” or maladaptive daydreaming.
The people concerned then experience episodes so numerous and invasive that they interfere with their daily life. And which can also become addictive. A phenomenon which it is possible to realize:
“If daydreaming takes up so much time that it interferes with work, school, relationships, or other obligations; If it causes stress, anxiety, or other negative feelings like guilt and the person feels unable to control their urge to daydream, it may signal a problem. If it is an escape from reality to the point of neglecting one’s own life or failing to deal with important issues, or if it is harmful to relationships, then it can be considered problematic. evokes our expert.
What should you do if this is your case?
Have you yourself implemented this call to daydream whenever a situation bores you? Coming back to reality is not always easy, but remains doable, sometimes with a little help to navigate. “What to do if compulsive daydreaming negatively affects quality of life? Why not consult a professional? Of the therapies can help to better understand and manage this behavior, establishing healthy boundaries and working on strategies to maintain a balance between daydreaming and real life.
No more dreaming (too much). Real life is yours!