Drexel University's Professor Kounios says most people spend a third of their waking time daydreaming and the brain is most active at this time.

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We spend about a third of our time daydreaming, yet our brain is unusually active during these seemingly idle moments.

During daydreams, our brain activates several areas associated with complex problem solving. It appears to be the only time these areas work in unison.

These findings highlight a paradox of mental life. They remind us that much of our creative thought is the product of neurons and nerve chemistry outside our awareness and beyond our direct control.

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