When we said that the pen is mightier than the sword, we may not have thought of the common factor behind their operation, the brain. The power and might of the human brain have always been a subject of fascination and study among people from the days of human inception. This fascination has found representation in different observations, thoughts, theories, and a bunch of books that have been written on the marvels of the human brain and its potential. The latest book “Mindwandering: How It Can Improve Your Mood And Boost Your Creativity” by Moshe Bar, has interesting insights from the award-winning neuroscientist. Through his experience and study, he unveils the power of mindwandering and how it can have good and bad effects on making your life productive or unproductive. Here are some key takeaways:

What is Mindwandering?

Our brain is a bundle of chaos and a hub of thoughts that are constantly at work even when we sleep (in the form of dreams). When in a meeting, we begin daydreaming. Or, when in a classroom, we think of our evening activities. When alone at home, we begin to think of the time we would have with our friends, cousins, family members, our better half, or any person who gives us comfort. This mental wandering off into our world is what mindwandering is. Simply stated, mindwandering is about stealing a few moments away from the present into a different world based on what a person likes. It may seem amusing, but as per Bar’s thought, mindwandering can be used in constructive ways to improve the brain’s creative abilities.

Is Mindwandering good or bad?

As per the author’s thoughts, mindwandering can be both good and bad. If the little time of mindwandering can give a few moments of relaxation, then it is good. If a person comes back to the present in a more energized and refreshed manner, then it is good. Isn’t it? If a person becomes anxious, worried, or depressed due to a different stream of thoughts, then mindwandering can’t be good at all. In that case, the person would be in a better state prior to mindwandering.

Mindwandering can give absolute bliss or total chaos. It all depends on the state of mind of the person. It can be used in a constructive manner or can be a total waste of time. It all depends on mental and emotional states.

Mindwandering: where to be careful?

While mindwandering may seem quite a fascinating activity as it may cater to our need to have a break during our hectic schedules, it can get tricky at times. As per “Mindwandering: How It Can Improve Your Mood And Boost Your Creativity,” you may miss the little moments of the present where some things only happen once, or people may get affected by your not being present in their present. In that way, we need to be smart before letting our minds go wandering deep into other thoughts and tickle our fantasies.

Further in his book, Moshe Bar talks of other concepts like two opposing states of mind, the exploratory, and exploitatory, and how they are necessary for a healthy personality, the concept of the “invisible gorilla test,” and how these concepts are used by us subconsciously and other ideas that would open our brains to new horizons to understand the might of the brain beyond the pen and the sword. The power of the brain is still an estimate and still to be unraveled. Check the book out online for more details and understand how mindwandering can help to boost creativity and improvement of our mood.