Imagine this: You're on a beach, with a cold drink in one hand and the latest best-selling novel in the other.

The salty beach breeze kisses your face while the ocean tickles your toes. You hear gulls talking, waves crashing, and the steel-drum band jamming. Feel like paradise? Great. That quick mental picture just improved your brain function. Keep your brain flexible by setting aside time each day to daydream about whatever you like.

Daydreaming keeps your mind flexible. By stirring up the part of your brain that handles imagination, you keep your brain running outside of its normal thought process, which helps your cognitive function at the highest levels. Consider daydreaming an important part of your mental-health action plan.