Daydreaming has long been thought of as a useless waste of time. You may even feel guilty about spending time picturing yourself at the big party this weekend or thinking about what you’ll make for dinner. However, research shows that daydreaming is actually quite useful. Allowing your mind to wander for short periods of time can provide several benefits.

• Daydreaming promotes creativity. Consciously trying to solve a problem is not always the best way to solve it. Those who daydream when faced with mundane tasks tend to be more creative and better problem solvers.

• A wandering mind usually has better working memory. Working memory is the brain’s ability to store and then recall information in the face of distractions. People who are able to continue to work on something repetitive while thinking about something else usually have a better working memory.

• Zoning out will give part of your brain a break. Thinking about something creative gives the analytic side of your brain a chance to rest, and when you’re back to problem solving your attention will be more focused.

• Reflection helps aid development. Taking the time to absorb knowledge and events from the past and think about the future helps improve performance and memory, making it easier to learn from something that already happened.

• Daydreaming lowers stress. Research shows that letting your mind wander is similar to a low level of hypnosis. It can make you happier, too!

Next time you find yourself thinking of something other than the task at hand, don’t feel bad. Daydreaming is good for your mind, memory, and mental health.