Why Mind Wandering Is Bad For You and How to Stop It

Random, unintentional thinking like you do when your mind wanders happens in a different part of the brain than intentional thoughts. And too much mind wandering is bad for you in that it makes you more anxious and unhappy. In this video, I explain why mind wandering increases your anxiety and unhappiness and two things you can do about it. References Wilson, T. D., Reinhard, D. A., Westgate, E. C., Gilbert, D. T., Ellerbeck, N., Hahn, C., Brown, C. L., & Shaked, A. (2014). Social psychology. Just think: the challenges of the disengaged mind. Science (New York, N.Y.), 345(6192), 75–77. Killingsworth, M.A., & Gilbert, D.T. (2010). A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind. Science, 330, 932 - 932. Follow me on Instagram for quick, bite-sized mental-health tips WANT TO START IN THERAPY? Here’s a convenient and affordable option with my sponsor BetterHelp For a monthly fee, you get a REAL licensed therapist with whom you can meet weekly by phone, video or chat. You can also send daily messages. For a full review of the service, watch this video If you use this link you will get a 10% discount on your first month. This is an option I’ve researched. I get a referral commission if you sign up. Want to know more about mental health and self-improvement? On this channel I discuss topics such as bipolar disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder (ADHD), relationships and personal development/self-improvement. I upload weekly. If you don’t want to miss a video, click here to subscribe. Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.