How To Stop Fantasizing And Creating Unrealistic Expectations

If you want to know how to stop fantasizing, you’ll love this article.

Fantasies can transport us to other times and places, but if you realize that you dream more often than you live, it may be time to put a stop to it. You should identify the causes of your dreams and address them, as they can serve as a method of escape.

Work on shifting your attention and improving your concentration to become more alert and focused. But if you use your daydreams as a tool to improve your daily productivity and proactivity, they can be useful.

How To Stop Fantasizing

1. Find out what triggers you.

You may sometimes catch yourself fantasizing while listening to a particular song or while doing an activity, such as driving. Make a note of the time and activity whenever you notice your thoughts wandering. The catalyst can be:

  • a place, such as your workplace, bathroom, or vehicle.
  • style of sound or music.
  • a task, such as attending a meeting or walking your dog.
  • a person, such as a demanding spouse or relative.

2. Write down your fantasies in a diary.

You may be able to learn more about your fantasies and daydreams by writing them down. In addition, since writing allows you to focus your mind on a creative endeavor, it will help you escape from your fantasies. Provide as much detail as possible.

Consider whether any unfulfilled needs or dissatisfactions in your life reveal these fantasies. For example, if they are primarily sexual in nature, you may want to get closer to them.

Between each entry in your imagination notebook, look for trends. Your dreams may be related to your aspirations in life if all your entries are about gaining a better career or rising to fame in your industry.

3. Control your time if you are running late by using your imagination.

It is possible to effectively postpone work through daydreaming. Time management techniques can be useful if you use your fantasies as a way to put off completing anything or avoiding work.

Create a daily schedule for yourself to stay on track.

Do key activities first thing in the morning to ensure completion.

Avoid multitasking if you want to maintain focus on any one job.

4. If you are bored, start a totally new activity.

You may need a new pastime or creative outlet if your fantasizing helps you escape the monotony of everyday life. You can find creative expression for your dreams by journaling, writing, or painting. Rock climbing and other physically demanding activities can add some excitement to your life.

SEE ALSO: How To Be More Proactive And Less Reactive: 17 Strategies

5. Resolve problems with your partner to stop thinking about love.

If you often have dreams related to sex or romance, you may not be satisfied with your current relationship situation. Try to identify your unsatisfied areas, whether you are single or in a relationship, so you can improve.

Consider whether you want to stay with your partner if you are in a relationship and often think about other people. Couples counseling may be helpful if this is the case.

6. Modify your daily routine.

When you are engaged in mindless activities such as cleaning dishes, you may be more inclined to be imaginative. Change your daily routine and work sequence, and start being consistent. This will enliven your day and help improve your brain’s ability to focus and pay attention (1).

For example, if you often get up, exercise, prepare brunch, and then clean the house on Sunday, try something different. Eat out, exercise after dark or clean first thing in the morning.

7. When your thoughts wander, redirect your concentration.

Stop if you notice that you are plunging into a dream. Start a new activity or shift your attention to anything else to take your mind off the fantasy.

You can get up and stretch or do a small activity, such as jumping on a skipping rope, to end the illusion.

Start focusing on anything nearby, like a cup or paper scissors. Pay attention to its small intricacies. Find out what it feels like by touching it. As a result, you can learn to be more aware.

You can even carry a tangible object in your pocket to serve as a reminder to be in the moment.

8. Engage in regular meditation.

By helping you focus on sensations, mindfulness helps you be in the present moment. Sit comfortably and take a deep exhale. Pay attention to how you breathe. Stop if your thoughts start to wander and focus on your breath.

Develop your way to larger amounts of time, starting with a small amount of time, like ten minutes.

You can open your awareness to more sensory information. What do you sense? Do you sense any smells? What noises do you hear?

SEE ALSO: How to Increase Level of Happiness: 6 Scientifically Proven Tips 

9. Give yourself breaks between tasks.

Your mind can only stay focused on your work for so long before it starts to wander. Take a five to ten-minute break after an hour of work or in between tasks. Once you start working again, this will help you stay on target.

Consider stretching, having a cup of tea, or going for a little walk during your break.

10. Stay away from multitasking

Multitasking has become a standard in today’s fast-paced world, as individuals try to do too many duties in a short period of time. When you train your brain to work this way, you will no longer be able to concentrate because your brain is incredibly fluid. An inability to concentrate causes interruptions from daydreaming or other thoughts. End your multitasking behavior (2) and start focusing on one activity at a time.

Disconnect from anything that diverts your attention from one task at a time.

When you notice that your mind begins to wander, finish what you are doing, take a five-minute break, and then resume your original work.

11. Ensure you get enough rest.

You are more susceptible to daydreaming if you are sleepy. Strive for seven to nine hours of sleep each night. It can also be beneficial to have a regular sleep routine where you go to bed and wake up at the same time.

To avoid lying in bed and daydreaming at night, try to clear your thoughts. Spend time meditating and avoid bright devices an hour before bedtime.

Try to get out of bed as early as possible in the morning so you can start your day.

12. Determine your life goals by using your imagination.

Having fantasies is not always a waste of time. Your daydreams really do have the power to reveal your true desires. You can set achievable goals even if you don’t plan to marry a billionaire or become a great golfer.

For example, you may worry about money if you constantly fantasize about winning the lottery. You may want to start implementing more sensible financial habits.

Try to identify the source of your fantasies. For example, you may need to take action to try to improve things in your life if you are dreaming as a result of dissatisfaction with your current circumstances.

13. Set goals

Setting realistic and feasible life goals is the best way to achieve your aspirations. Give yourself a deadline for completing each step of each goal until you have broken it down into several doable tasks. You will soon discover that your fantasies have become reality.

You can set a savings goal if you want to increase your savings. Decide how much money you can comfortably save by a certain date. You can set goals to improve your career prospects or better manage your finances.

14. Describe your goals to others.

A quick return to fantasizing is possible. Inform your loved ones of your goals to hold yourself accountable. When others are aware, you can try harder to make them happy.

Recruit a friend or relative to be your accountability partner. This is a person who checks in from time to time to see how far you have come.

Thank you for reading this article about how to stop fantasizing and I really hope that you take action my advice.

I wish you good luck and I hope its contents have been a good help to you.

Przemkas Mosky
Przemkas Mosky started Perfect 24 Hours in 2017. He is a Personal Productivity Specialist, blogger and entrepreneur. He also works as a coach assisting people to increase their motivation, social skills or leadership abilities. Read more here