Evidence: imagination enhances wellbeing
I often seek out evidence to my conviction, that happiness is good for our wellbeing. And this week, I discovered a report that links imagination to increased happiness, love and connection.
The study, by four scholars from the University of Sheffield in the UK (details below), examined the impact of daydreaming about ‘significant others’. They were curious; could those close to us have a positive influence on our emotional wellbeing, not just from real events, but also, from our imaginations.
In a study of 101 volunteers, the researchers found significant increases in happiness, love and connection after daydreams about those closest to the participants. Importantly, these strong results were found among those who would benefit most, in other words, those that came into the study with a low score in happiness, love and connection.
With research suggesting we daydream 30 to 50 per cent of our time, this is good news. Daydreaming, giving ourselves permission to imagine, is important for self-help, to rejuvenate, to feel so much better about life.
In an Imagination Session®, I explore, with you, the many more ways you can tap into the power of imagination to foster, hope, optimism, joy.
To learn more, or to book a half-hour discovery call, contact me via DM or dawn@imaginationsession.com
Poerio, G. L., Totterdell, P., Emerson, L. M., & Miles, E. (2015). Love is the triumph of the imagination: Daydreams about significant others are associated with increased happiness, love and connection. Consciousness and cognition, 33, 135-144.
