Some everyday quirks that irritate other people may not be flaws at all, and they might even hint at a sharp mind. Daydreaming and talking to yourself can look like distractions from the outside, especially in a culture that prizes nonstop productivity. Still, psychologists say those behaviors can reflect creativity, flexible thinking, and strong mental control when they show up in the right context. As one American psychologist, Dr. Mark Travers, argued in an article for Forbes, research suggests these habits can connect to cognitive strengths rather than carelessness.
The first habit is daydreaming, which many people still treat as a sign that someone is not paying attention. Yet when your thoughts drift and you start imagining scenarios, you may be doing useful mental work in the background. The article notes that this kind of mind wandering can be tied to more creative thinking, rather than simply mental laziness. Put simply, a wandering mind can sometimes be a mind that is exploring possibilities. That can be valuable for problem solving, planning, and generating new ideas.
One 2025 study that looked at 1,300 adults used brain recordings and found stronger connections between networks linked to executive control and networks that become active when people fantasize or let thoughts develop on their own. In other words, the same brain systems that help you stay on task can also interact with the systems that power imagination and self generated thinking. The article also says participants whose minds wandered more often did better at quickly switching between tasks. That ability to pivot fast is a core part of cognitive flexibility, which is often associated with high level thinking.
A second study mentioned in the article, published in 2024 in PNAS Nexus, examined 3,300 participants and concluded that seemingly empty thoughts can serve a purpose. Those brief blank moments can be the brain’s way of resetting, sorting, or shifting gears. For some people, that looks like staring into space, pausing mid task, or drifting away from the immediate moment. It can be annoying to a coworker who wants a quick answer, but it may reflect a mind that is processing information in a different mode. The key detail is that it becomes helpful when it supports insight or recovery, rather than becoming constant avoidance.
The second habit is talking to yourself, whether it is a whisper, a quick comment under your breath, or a full internal debate spoken out loud. Many people find it strange, but research suggests it can help with self regulation and clearer self understanding. The article points to a 2023 study involving students that linked self talk with stronger self regulation and a clearer sense of self. It can also support mindfulness and shape the inner monologue people use to guide decisions. In that way, talking to yourself can be like giving your brain a set of spoken instructions it can follow.
Scientists at Bangor University also found that people were more focused and remembered what they read better when they said the words out loud. The study’s coauthor, psychologist Dr. Paloma Mari Beffa, explained it in a straightforward way, saying, “Part of the benefit may come from hearing ourselves as we speak, because spoken instructions seem to guide behavior more easily than written ones.” That idea matches what many people notice in real life, like how reading directions aloud can make a task feel simpler. Saying something out loud can also slow you down enough to notice mistakes before they snowball. It is not magic, but it can be a practical tool for attention and memory.
Dr. Mari Beffa also offered a broader framing that challenges the way people judge this habit. She suggested, “The stereotype of a scientist talking to themselves might not just be a joke, but a picture of someone using everything available to better direct attention and thinking.” In other words, what looks odd can be an efficient strategy. Self talk can act like a spotlight that keeps attention from drifting too far when a task is complex. It can also help you rehearse steps, check progress, and stay engaged when motivation dips.
There is an emotional side to this too, and the article stresses that it matters how you use self talk. Experts note that naming worries or emotions out loud can help many people calm down and make those feelings more manageable. At the same time, the article warns that this works best when it does not slide into endless negative looping and self criticism. Put simply, “Saying worries or emotions out loud can help them settle and feel more tolerable,” but it is most useful when it stays constructive rather than punishing. The line between helpful processing and harmful rumination often comes down to tone, repetition, and whether you move toward solutions.
More broadly, both habits fit into what psychology and neuroscience describe as the brain’s shifting between different mental systems. Mind wandering is often linked to the default mode network, which tends to activate when attention is not locked onto the outside world. That network is associated with autobiographical memory, future planning, and imagining other perspectives, which are all useful for creativity. Executive control networks help you focus, follow rules, and complete tasks, and the article highlights research showing these systems can work together rather than fight each other. In everyday terms, a capable brain can toggle between exploring ideas and executing plans.
Self talk is also widely discussed in psychology as part of self regulation and metacognition, which is thinking about your thinking. People often use it to plan steps, motivate themselves, or keep track of goals, especially during challenging work. Athletes, performers, and students commonly rely on short spoken cues, like reminding themselves to breathe, slow down, or focus on the next step. When used positively, it can be a low cost way to manage attention and emotion without any special equipment. If these habits interfere with daily life, though, or become distressing, it can help to talk with a qualified mental health professional for personalized support.
What do you think, have you noticed daydreaming or self talk helping you think more clearly, and how do these habits show up in your everyday life, share your thoughts in the comments.
