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

Dr. Tracey Marks · 7:29

Practice summary

Video length

7:29

✨ UNLOCK YOUR BRAIN'S FULL POTENTIAL! My free 2-minute quiz reveals your unique "Brain Operating System" and gives you a personalized guide to master your focus, handle stress, and perform at your best. Take the Quiz →

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.