Have you ever noticed how, when you’re on a bus, most people around you are engrossed in their phones, appearing busy and absorbed in their screens?
The same trend continues while queuing or during moments of downtime – people are constantly connected to something, trying to fill every spare second with some activity. It seems that even when we’re on the toilet, many of us can’t resist the urge to reach for our phones to find something to do.
Bonjour, in this video, I want to discuss something that has become increasingly rare in our fast-paced world – the art of mind wandering.
I work with numerous leaders and professionals, and it never fails to amaze me how everyone is caught in a perpetual cycle of busyness. From packed calendars to endless to-do lists, it feels like a rat race from dawn till dusk. We try to fill every minute, every empty slot with tasks, and we even find ourselves checking emails while waiting in queues.
Interestingly, I recently stumbled upon research conducted by two professors—one from Montreal and the other from England—on the topic they refer to as “Mind Wandering.” This phenomenon occurs when we allow our minds to wander freely, without being engaged in any specific task.
The researchers found three compelling aspects of mind wandering. Firstly, it helps us make sense of the world and the experiences we encounter. Secondly, it facilitates the creation of new connections between different ideas and thoughts. Lastly, it encourages self-reflection on various subjects, exploring the impact of past experiences and envisioning possibilities for the future. Mind wandering, as it turns out, has a profound role in our cognitive processes.
In our society that glorifies constant busyness, daydreaming or letting our minds wander may seem discouraged, even during our school days. But let me challenge you to rethink this perspective.
I’ve personally started incorporating more moments of mind wandering into my daily routine. Whether it’s during my daily breathing time walks without my mobile phone, I allow myself time to embrace free thinking. In fact, I’ve even blocked out an hour and a half every week on my calendar dedicated solely to letting my mind wander.
I must admit, as someone who values organization and efficiency, this practice felt initially challenging. However, I’ve discovered immense pleasure—and indeed, benefits—in doing so. I encourage you to give it a try too!
So, I ask you this: When was the last time you truly let your mind wander? When was the last time you indulged in a moment of daydreaming?
This week’s Work Smarter: Live Better tip is to embrace the power of mind wandering. Allow yourself those moments of reflection and see the positive impact it can have on your life.
Wishing you a day filled with wonder and new connections.
Have a lovely day.
A bientôt,
Cyril
