The Middle Way: Finding the Balance between Mindfulness and Mind-Wandering (2020)

In this webinar, Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California at Santa Barbara, Jonathan Schooler, explores mind wandering and its implications, noting its negative effects on mood, accidents, and reading comprehension. He highlights that mind wandering correlates with decreased happiness and increased accident risk, particularly while driving. Regarding reading, he emphasizes that mind wandering can significantly impair understanding and retention. The webinar delves into the relationship between mind wandering, eye movements, and reading comprehension, suggesting that mindless reading is reflected in gaze measures. It discusses mindfulness as a remedy, showing its potential to reduce mind wandering and enhance performance. Moreover, it details how mindfulness might affect creativity, fostering curiosity-driven mind wandering and problem-solving. The webinar also explores the impact of COVID-19 on mind wandering, discussing its influence, both positive and negative, and offers strategies to leverage mind wandering and openness during the pandemic for better mental health.

View the video slides accompanying this presentation by clicking here.

**Disclaimer: These sessions are designed to provide general education and are not intended for individual advice and/or clinical care. The information conveyed in this recording was accurate at the time of presentation.**