{{U}}The types of daydreams, whether they are pleasant and hopeful or filled with despair take shape in childhood when everyone develops one of three basic daydreaming styles: positive, negative and scattered, American Health reports.{{/U}} Although everyone lapses occasionally into each of these types, positive daydreamers are more likely to imagine happy, playful or entertaining scenarios. (2){{U}}Negative daydreamers tend to dwell on life's darker side imagining dangerous and/or life threatening situations, such as the{{/U}} {{U}}appearance of a fatal or weakening disease or becoming a victim of violence.{{/U}} Scattered daydreamers are easily bored and distracted. "Their mental images tend to be fleeting, repetitive and shallow, like variations on the same fairy tales," explains Yale psychologist Ron Tower.
(3){{U}}While all three types are common, positive imaginations are likeliest to serve as springboards (跳板) for problem solving, while negative and scattered daydreams may leave a person feeling anxious.{{/U}} Negative daydreamers are waiting for the other shoe "to fall." Their imaginations are often guilt-ridden or obsessive. There are times when drifting away can cause problems, according to Bolin. "If daydreaming gets in the way of daily function because the person is doing it all day, the person won't be very productive," she says. "The amount of time and the frequency that a person daydreams is what's important. It should not take up all of your time. (4){{U}}If people find their daydreaming is becoming excessive (过多的) , they should take a realistic look at what's going on in their life and ask themselves what the are trying to avoid.{{/U}} Then they can assess what steps they need to take to correct the situation." (Anyone who has a hard time discriminating between reality and imagination or starts replacing real life family and friends with imagined people should seek professional help.) (5){{U}}Professor Singer sums up the advantages of daydreams to the average person: "by sitting quietly and letting your daydreams emerge instead of squelching (抑制) them, you may find there are parts of yourself you haven't been listening to.{{/U}} Instead of fearing them, you'll gain access to tremendous range of interesting, creative ideas."