Last week, I read Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey. Throughout the book, Hersey repeatedly calls on us to slow down and take the time to rest. This rest isn’t so we can be more productive later. It’s rest for its own sake, for our sake, individually and collectively. Rest, for Hersey, is a radical practice. Hersey is an artist, and much of the background for Rest is Resistance comes from her art practice: The Nap Ministry. I found it compelling how she’s taken this concept of rest and brought it to the world in different forms: writing, performance, speaking, workshops, artifacts, and media.

In Rest as Resistance, Hersey often mentions daydreaming. I wasn’t expecting that and was intrigued because, after all, one definition of “revery” is a daydream.  

This got me thinking more about daydreaming and what makes it important. 

For me, daydreaming is essential to creativity. When our minds wander, they explore different scenarios, imagine new possibilities, and make connections between seemingly unrelated ideas. In daydreams, our minds are free from linear thinking.

Daydreaming also allows us to process feelings in a safe, controlled environment. It can be a mental escape from stressful situations, providing a temporary break that helps manage anxiety and stress. It can be a way of working through unresolved issues or planning for future challenges, contributing to our resilience.

Daydreaming also provides an opportunity for self-reflection. It allows us to explore our thoughts and desires. This self-reflection can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth as we gain insight into our motivations and aspirations.

For me, daydreaming is a good use of time. By allowing the mind to wander, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities and insights that structured, focused thinking alone can’t provide. Daydreaming is part of a good day and part of a good life.