Maladaptive Daydreaming Creativity
You're in the middle of a meeting at work when your mind starts to wander. You think about the weekend and all the fun you're going to have except its with a group of friends you have entirely made up in your mind that don't exist in the real world. Suddenly, you realize you haven't been paying attention to the conversation for the last five minutes. You shake your head to clear the cobwebs and try to focus on what's being said, but your mind is already off in la-la land again. Two weeks later your boss ask where you are on the website update you were never actually listening to.
If this sounds familiar, you may be suffering from maladaptive daydreaming (MD). MD is a form of excessive daydreaming that can interfere with everyday life. People who suffer from MD find it difficult to focus on reality because their minds are always wandering off into fantasy land. If you're looking for ways to overcome MD, here are three steps that can help.
1. Understand What's Driving Your Daydreams
In order to overcome MD, it's important to understand what's driving your daydreams. What are you trying to escape from? Do you find your job or home life unsatisfying? Are you dealing with anxiety or depression? Once you know what's triggering your excessive daydreaming, you can start to address those underlying issues.
2. Create a Schedule and Stick to It
A big part of overcoming MD is learning how to structure your time. When you have free time, it's tempting to just sit back and let your mind wander. However, this will only aggravate your MD. Instead, create a schedule for yourself and make sure you stick to it. Fill your days with activities that interest you and leave time for relaxation, but don't allow yourself to just sit and daydream for hours on end.
3. Find an Outlet for Your Creativity
For many people, MD is triggered by feelings of boredom or creative frustration. If this sounds like you, one of the best things you can do is find an outlet for your creativity. This could be anything from starting a blog or painting a picture to writing a script or composing music. By channeling your creative energy into something productive, you'll be less likely to get lost in daydreams about alternative realities.
Conclusion:
Maladaptive daydreaming can be a nuisance—but it doesn't have to control your life. If you're struggling with MD, try following these three steps: understand what's driving your daydreams; create a schedule and stick to it; and find an outlet for your creativity. With some effort and perseverance, you can overcome MD and start living in the present again.
