Our brains are much busier when we daydream than scientists previously believed.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that several areas of the brain are activated when we daydream, and that the best way to solve complex problems (or to think about life in general) may be to let our minds wander.
“Mind wandering is typically associated with negative things like laziness or inattentiveness,” Kalina Christoff of the UBC Department of Psychology told Science Daily. “But this study shows our brains are very active when we daydream – much more active than when we focus on routine tasks.”
Previously, scientists believed that the “executive network” of the brain was dormant when we daydreamed, but the UBC researchers found that daydreaming subjects used those portions of the brain simultaneously with those associated with routine actions.
The researchers used brain scans to see which parts of the brain “lit up” while subjects performed certain tasks.
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• Mark your calendars for this Friday, when artist Barbara Enochian will host an art show and sale at her studio at 15455 Middletown Park Drive in Redding. The show will feature art by the Downtown Painters and by Enochian’s students. Wine and hors d’oeurves will be served at the event, which runs from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• Headline of the Day
On the Health page in the local paper we find this:
Self-evaluate yourself to reach weight-loss goals
It’s so-o-o much easier to self-evaluate yourself than it is to self-evaluate other people.
Tips appreciated: Send news tidbits to steveb.anewscafe@gmail.com.
