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When our minds wander to the body, it may affect mental health

MRI scans show body-focused mind wandering may reduce symptoms of ADHD and depression

A woman holds her hand to her chest.

People’s spontaneous thoughts often drift toward their body. This “body wandering” might benefit mental health, new research suggests.

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By Diana Kwon

Human minds often wander. Whether we’re busy at work, doing chores or exercising, our thoughts frequently shift away from the task at hand. These spontaneous thoughts sometimes turn toward sensations in the body, such as our heartbeat or breath, and that could affect our immediate emotional state and long-term mental health, researchers report March 25 in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.