As Albus Dumbledore said, “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” However, there are moments in life you must tap into your fantasies to make it through tough times.
Unfortunately, our society often stigmatizes daydreaming and fantasizing as a lack of motivation or seriousness. However, that’s not always true. Fantasizing is a natural part of being human and it plays a significant role in building interpersonal relationships and manifesting future goals and dreams.
While Dumbledore’s words are wise, the truth is, sometimes we need fantasy to survive reality. If you find yourself going through a rough patch, some fantasy might be just the thing that gets you back on track. Here are some ways to keep everything balanced in a time of need.
What Is Fantasy?
Fantasy is an art form. But, for definition’s sake, it’s the practice of thinking about things that are either impossible or improbable. Fantasies can take us to the beach on a cold winter day or to living in a mansion of epic portions. They take us away from the present moment, let us experience what it’s like to live without judgment, and are sometimes necessary to relieve the pressure of our stressful lives.
When To Fantasize
Finding the time to slip out of reality is a rarity in the busy day-to-day grind. However, setting aside some time to relax and de-stress is integral to self-care. You might find it easier to devote time to fantasies before you go to bed. What better time is there to drift into another world where cares are non-existent? When I do this, sometimes my fantasies infiltrate my dreams.
Don’t Overdo It
As important as it is to devote some time to leaving reality for a brief moment, you mustn’t constantly be there. Though tempting, it can be the opposite of self-care if you’re always daydreaming.
For example, if you missed an appointment because you were busy in your daydream, you should probably scale back and stick to your devoted time slot. However, remember that too much of a good thing can be harmful, so there’s always a balance to keep you in check.
Fantasize, Then Let It Go
For this to work in your favor, you must learn how to leave the fantasies out of your reality effectively. Not to say that the things you dream of can’t become a part of your life, but if you’re using this technique to get through a tough time, it’s wise to keep it separate. So, once you’ve accomplished your fantasy and have the desired outcome, let it go and appreciate it for what it was.
Stay Present
Staying present is incredibly important in everyday life and helps keep your mind from negative thoughts. It can stave off anxiety and depression and help you relax. Even though the whole point of fantasizing is to escape, it’s crucial to spend time staying present, too. So, when you aren’t indulging in your fantasy or daydream, be mindful and stay present.
Sometimes life can be tumultuous, and a little fantasy can help relieve some unwanted stress. The trick is not to overuse this coping mechanism by doing this every time pressing and complex issues surface. So, set some time aside to indulge, take some deep breaths, and let your mind wander to unexplored places.
