Is Using Your Smartphone While Waiting Actually a Loss? The Reasons Why "Daydreaming" Benefits the Brain and Mind

Bus stops, waiting in line at the register, waiting for the elevator. In those moments when a few seconds of "blank space" appear, our hands almost reflexively reach for the smartphone in our pockets. The Washington Post's Well+Being (published January 8, 2026) suggests putting a temporary brake on this "habit of filling blank spaces with smartphones" and reclaiming time to "just think/daydream." The reason is simple: time spent letting your mind wander is **more "enjoyable," "effective for problem-solving," and "possibly beneficial for relationships"** than scrolling through your smartphone.

However, daydreaming is neither "laziness" nor "escapism." The article, citing psychological research, suggests that our brains may be quietly working during times that appear to be "doing nothing."

From here, while considering the key points of the article, let's delve deeper into the "health benefits of daydreaming" by incorporating background research and social media reactions.

First of all, how much do we actually look at our smartphones?

The article begins by presenting a realistic scene from daily life. Now that "waiting time = smartphone" has become the norm, research and observations introduce that the number of times we check/unlock our smartphones can reach over 50 times a day.

Moreover, the troublesome part is that such actions are closer to "reflex" than "decision-making." In an environment where there are always notifications and updates, the brain continues to add "small stimuli," and before you know it, much of the blank space is taken away.

What is striking in the article is the metaphor by Erin Westgate, a social psychologist at the University of Florida. She likens the mindless scrolling on smartphones to "cognitive junk food," which provides shallow satisfaction.

It doesn't fill you up, but leaves you with a "seemingly satisfying" taste of salt and fat—perhaps the brain experiences a similar "seemingly satisfying" effect.

And we spend a significant amount of our waking hours with "inner monologue"

On the other hand, the article emphasizes that "daydreaming" itself is not a special act. We spend a considerable portion of our waking hours on "internal thinking," imagining things, reflecting on the past, or simulating the future—though it's not always enjoyable.

A famous study is mentioned where some participants chose an electric shock over quietly sitting and facing their thoughts.

This fear of being "alone with one's thoughts" drives us towards our smartphones. This is the starting point of the discussion.

The article lists "three scientific benefits"

1) "Just thinking" is more enjoyable than you think

One of the core aspects of the article is a 2022 experimental study. Participants imagined "sitting and waiting for 20 minutes doing nothing" and predicted how enjoyable it would be. What were the results?People consistently predicted it to be "more boring than it actually was.".
This study summarized that the same tendency was confirmed in a total of N=259, across six experiments, mainly involving college students.

In other words, the idea that "time doing nothing = unbearably boring" might be a misconception.
And this misconception might be increasing the choice to "just open the news/SNS" during waiting times.

What is important here is that the article emphasizes "what you think about matters." If you fall into rumination of unpleasant memories,it's good to prepare a list of "positive themes you want to think about". This is introduced as "positive constructive daydreaming," which can lead to creativity and problem-solving.

2) Daydreaming solves "problems you're not trying to solve"

Many people have experienced "aha moments" not when they're groaning at their desks, but while taking a shower or walking. The article states that when doing "automatic tasks," thoughts become free, and problem-solving can progress. Examples include driving, walking, and getting ready.

Furthermore, from a neuroscience perspective, it touches on the fact that "even when it seems like nothing is happening, the brain is working," and that multiple brain regions are active even in a "default" state.

"Solving by focusing" is not the only way to solve problems. Rather,letting thoughts "ferment"by giving them time to play is necessary in some situations—this message from the article resonates more with busy people.

3) "Imagining people" in daydreams can bring you closer

The surprising aspect is the interpersonal effect. The article introduces research by psychologist Julia Poerio, showing that after inducing feelings of loneliness, having participants imagine "pleasant interactions with important people" increasedfeelings of connection, attachment, and belonging.

In the summary of the relevant study, it is reported that participants, N=126, in the "important others daydreaming" group experienced higher feelings of connection and increased prosocial behavior compared to non-social daydreaming or control conditions.

What emerges from this is the possibility that daydreaming is not just mere fantasy but a **social "rehearsal."** Simulating conversations, reflecting on failures, imagining the next move. The article states, "Because we live in society, much of our daydreaming becomes a simulation of social events."

So, in the end, what should you do instead of reaching for your smartphone?

The article concludes with a rather small suggestion: "Next time you have a few minutes free, keep your smartphone in your pocket."
To incorporate this into your life, the key is not "willpower" but "design."

• "Don't touch your smartphone for the first 30 seconds of blank space"
  It's difficult to start with long periods. First, create a "one-cushion" buffer.

• Prepare three "themes" for daydreaming(e.g., things you want to do on your next holiday/recent things you're grateful for/work issues you want to solve)
  For those prone to rumination, having a "scaffold" in advance is effective.

• Combine with simple tasks like walking, tidying up, or puzzles
  The article also mentions "fermenting thoughts" through "walking" or "simple tasks."

Note: If daydreaming intensifies rumination on painful memories or interferes with daily life, do not force it and consult a professional (the article also suggests that "what you think about is important").

Social Media Reactions: Who Resonates with This Topic and Who Doesn't

This time, due to viewing restrictions (JavaScript requirements or access restrictions) on the comment sections of various social media platforms for the Washington Post article itself, we couldn't fully track them. As an alternative, we organized related threads on the tech community board (Hacker News) as "reaction examples" regarding the public discussion on "filling blank spaces with smartphones" and the value of "daydreaming/introspection.".

The prominent reactions generally fall into the following three types:

A) "When you let go of your smartphone, postponed problems surface" group

One contributor mentioned that during a period without a smartphone, they had to face "difficult decisions" during waiting times, which ultimately brought significant benefits.

This resonates with the article's point that "it helps with problem-solving."

B) "Screens become a 'postponement device' for anxiety" group

Another post discusses how constant distractions may be temporarily enjoyable but accumulate anxiety without processing it, leading to a vicious cycle.

This also aligns with the article's view that "time spent just thinking has deeper meaning."

C) "But silence is tough" group (hence the need for design)

On the other hand, posts discuss the difficulty of silence, such as "a silent walk changes sleep" or "even headphones become tools to avoid thinking."

The article's suggestion of "creating a scaffold for positive constructive daydreaming" can serve as a practical prescription for this group.

Conclusion: Daydreaming might not be a "luxury" but a "function"

What makes this article interesting is that it treats daydreaming not as "laziness" but as part of the higher cognitive functions of humans.
We might be filling potentially enjoyable "just thinking time" with smartphones due to the misconception that "boredom is scary."

And that blank space can become a "fermentation tank" for creativity and problem-solving.
Furthermore, imagining people in daydreams may support the alleviation of loneliness and feelings of connection.

Next time you're in line. Waiting for the elevator.
When your hand reaches for your smartphone, stop it in your pocket for a moment.
And for just 30 seconds, let your mind wander freely.
From that small experiment, you might regain a sense of "ownership of your thoughts."