wandering mind theory

Wandering mind theory suggests that when your attention drifts away from your current task and you start thinking about other things—like future plans or unrelated memories—your mind is "wandering." This shift is a natural brain process that can occur during periods of low focus or boredom. While it may reduce immediate task performance, it also allows for creative thinking, problem-solving, and reflection. Essentially, a wandering mind is a form of mental auto-pilot, helping your brain explore different ideas and memories while not actively engaged with the present activity.