Your mind never wanders away; it only moves towards more interesting things. ~ Kevin Horsley, Unlimited Memory: How to Use Advanced Learning Strategies to Learn Faster, Remember More and be More Productive
Oh, look – a squirrel! I do that all the time. Well, I don’t call attention to random squirrels, but I do occasionally fly off onto a different train of thought without warning. I’m sure it annoys the person I’m talking to, and it worries me no end. As in, I wonder if dementia or some other disorder is kicking in. That means I need to check it out. Fortunately, I’m always interested in learning about the brain, and this round we’ll look at its autonomy. Here’s just one of several posts about the way the brain works.
No, you aren't the only one whose mind wanders
According to the KOA Foundation, our brains wander 47% of our waking hours. When I think about how much time I spent talking, pre-retirement, I have to wonder if I was conscious of what I was saying. Apparently, though, the brain has a system in place called the default mode network. When humans aren’t focused on something in particular, the brain takes a walk. So, while I was teaching those CE classes, I might have been talking about something so familiar to me that I didn’t have to focus. I don’t know if that’s possible. I won’t argue with the science [this time] but admit the math is a challenge on this one.
Anyway, when our minds wander they may be considering relationship issues or thinking about our next trip. Or laying out the plot for our next novel. It appears our brain is a tool, and when we aren’t using it, our neurons play around as they wish.
Other perspectives
Yet another site, Nir and Far, suggests that you (euphemistically) lose your train of thought when the topic at hand isn’t stimulating enough. That may be an accurate assessment in some cases. And how embarrassing to consider how often that has happened [to me] when talking to people I care about. Ouch. I wish I had a credible excuse for my occasional attention lapses. I don’t think it’s always about my level of interest because sometimes it happens when I’m talking. So there’s that. Sigh. Moving on.
Both Nir and Far and the KOA Foundation assert that allowing our minds to wander can be a good thing, as it allows us to reflect on and learn from our mistakes. There is a downside to woolgathering, though. Some people go down a path of regret, looking back too much.
The Smithsonian Magazine describes a study done by Jonathan Smallwood. That gentleman interviewed participants, but he also did brain scans on them while their minds wandered. Among other observations, he determined that people who are sad or depressed are more likely to use their wandering time to look back with regret. Individuals with more positive outlooks tend to look forward for planning purposes. As all three resources mention, whether you’re looking forward or back, you can affect change – to do better, to do things differently, or to manage an approach for an upcoming challenge.
Of course, when we use this system for either our benefit or detriment, excessive unstructured thinking means that daily tasks–or assigned projects–don’t get done. This brings me to a conclusion attributed to Mr. Smallwood, who “now believes mind-wandering is rarely a waste of time. It is merely our brain trying to get a bit of work done when it is under the impression that there isn’t much else going on.” Doesn’t that mean we weren’t really into that task or project, anyway?
For best results
As with so many pursuits that require little effort, a little goes a long way. Letting our minds wander around like free-range chickens can be useful. However, some of us can kill half a day with our brains in neutral. If this is you, here’s some advice from Nir and Far:
- Schedule time to drift. As mentioned above, letting your brain work through issues unfettered can be useful.
- Ignore the static that breaks through your effort to stay focused.
- Take note of a fresh idea (unrelated to your current task) so that you can think it through at a better time.
I am not sufficiently concerned about my little stream-of-consciousness problem to work toward a cure. However, those of you who are still gainfully employed might be so inclined. You might also want to check out the embedded links for additional details. The sources I referenced are but a few of many available online. I take this as an indication that multitudes are impacted by minds that meander. That is, there’s a consequence if you lose focus, but also if the person you’re speaking with has the same proclivity. And plenty of us do it.
Which reminds me. It was my friend Danita who suggested this topic, right about the time I lost the plot in our conversation last week. I am so grateful for friends who forgive my occasional–and unexpected–transition into default mode.
You?
Lots of great insight here, Gayle! I need to up my game when I speak and write to minimize the wandering minds of my listeners and readers. First I think I’ll…ooh, look, a squirrel!! 😀
I’ll be working on that, too. 🙄
I have solved a number of problems and set some good directions for myself by simply allowing my mind to wander. Dreaming can be creativity in action or a much needed diversion. I do have to manage my mind at night sometimes by reciting poems silently……The Raven or If by Kipling will put you to sleep everytime.
Poe and Kipling are great and I should memorize some of their work. Or maybe one of Longfellow’s. I know someone who has a book of those. 😉