The power of daydreaming

Twice a day, I allow myself to daydream. I find my ‘sweet spot’ in a number of ways: sometimes I sit back and look at the sky, watch a mindless TV show, do a meditation or turn off the TV and sit with my eyes closed while calming down my system. Experiment with what works for you.

It’s really important to daydream – it’s like entering a trance. At school, we’re told that daydreaming is bad and lazy, but that’s all nonsense. A lot of overachievers don’t let themselves daydream; instead, they push themselves harder. But the problem with that is you’re not giving yourself an opportunity to relax and replenish.

Most people are aware of our circadian rhythm, which is our sleep and wake cycle, but there is also a second cycle called the ultradian rhythm, which is just as important. The word ‘ultradian’ means ‘many times a day’, and this is essential to understanding it.

Dr Ernest Rossi, a therapist and pioneer in mind and body healing, researched the power of the ultradian rhythm. He believed that the ebb and flow of consciousness is key to our wellbeing, and if we override each 90-minute cycle instead of taking a break (often by knocking back a double espresso and concentrating even harder!), it puts our bodies under more and more stress, which is bad for us.

So, by tapping into this natural cycle of rest and alertness, you can have a healing, restorative break, which boosts physical, mental and emotional health.

You can do this by slipping into a daydream. Your thoughts will slow down and you will feel a sweet, soft feeling in your muscles. As you relax into that, a mini trance-like state develops – you may even slide into a power nap. Just let your mind wander and it will be like a battery recharge and a natural reset. This can also lead to eureka moments…