Researchers have developed a novel neurofeedback technique based on Pavlovian conditioning that detects when a person's mind is wandering.
Daydreaming activates the hippocampus, inducing electrical impulses that help us to encode memories.
Rather than spending your free time browsing through social media or staring at your cell phone, researchers suggest taking a moment to just sit and think. Spending time alone with your thoughts can help problem-solving, enhance creativity, and improve overall well-being.
Contrary to popular belief, researchers report allowing your mind to wander in some situations does not result in failure of executive control or a dysfunctional cognitive state. People are able to strategically allow their minds to wander without impacting performance on a task.
Researchers present a new theory about dreaming, suggesting dreams may be an accidental byproduct of our waking cognitive abilities.
During simulated driving, people's minds tend to wander upwards of 70% of the time, researchers report.
A new study reports those whose minds wander less are more likely to stick to long term goals.
Researchers report two neural networks broadly overlap in people who intentionally let their minds wander.