I just have to say that if you don’t already do this, you most absolutely should. And I don’t mean a few mere moments during the work week where you “imagine” that your obnoxious coworker’s head has turned into a big balloon that just keeps inflating and that will eventually pop. I mean setting aside time to actively use your imagination. To formulate plans, to set up visualizations, to goof off with friends (I have an amazing friend who “pretends” with me all the time), to frigging invent things!

Why did we forget how to do this?? First, it is SO MUCH FUN.

Second, keeping your mind actively engaged in constantly trying to create things keeps your mind more alert, more receptive to new information, and better able to problem-solve.

Of course the first reason is the main reason I continue to do it at all, but really. I know this sounds unbelievably hokey, and I honestly had to force myself for awhile before the behavior set in. But it’s probably one of the best things I’ve ever done if for no other reason than it has proved one of the easiest/most effective forms of stress relief I’ve ever tried. 3 months ago