Psychol Sci October 2012 PMID 22941876

Inspired by distraction: mind wandering facilitates creative incubation.

Benjamin Baird, Jonathan Smallwood, Michael D Mrazek, Julia W Y Kam, Michael S Franklin, Jonathan W Schooler

Mentions

237
Peak: 7 in Mar 2022
across 7 sources since May 2018

Extended reach

532,165
potential audience

Total likes

18,903

Video views

440,726

Mentions per month

May 2018 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News165 articles
  • Blogs36 articles
  • X / Twitter21 posts
  • Facebook6 posts
  • YouTube5 videos
  • Bluesky2 posts
  • Reddit2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The overall tone is highly supportive and intrigued, with discussions referencing scientific studies, such as the research by Baird et al., and practical implications like incorporating mind wandering in teaching. Words like 'benefits' and phrases like 'inspired by distraction' reflect enthusiasm and recognition of the study's significance, steering the consensus towards viewing the research as impactful for understanding creativity.

AgreementStrong agreement

Most discussions strongly support the findings of the publication, emphasizing the positive role of mind wandering in creativity.

InterestHigh interest

The topics generate high curiosity, especially with mentions of research, practical applications in teaching and work, and references to scientific studies.

EngagementHigh engagement

Participants actively discuss methods, implications, and personal experiences related to mind wandering, indicating deep engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

While many believe the article's findings could transform approaches to creativity and productivity, some note it as a piece of valuable but not revolutionary knowledge.

Abstract in brief

  • Engaging in a relaxed, undemanding task that promotes mind wandering can significantly improve performance on creative problems, compared to doing a demanding task or no activity at all.
  • The boost in creativity is linked to increased mind wandering rather than actively thinking about the problem, indicating that a distracted or relaxed state might help incubate creative ideas.
  • This research supports the idea that sometimes, taking a mental break and allowing your mind to wander freely can be a valuable strategy for enhancing creativity and problem-solving skills.]

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Manuela Casasoli
@manuelacasasoli · X

Inspired by distraction... It is important to be able to focus but also "to unfocus, to let our mind wander when we need to." #teaching #education #edutwitter #learning @AceThatTest ⏯️The Benefits of Mind Wandering 1-https://t.co/cAzWm2TGon 2-https://t.co/OxzVQDKHN9 https://t.co/K35FQePNUZ

Mar 7, 2022 · 48 likes · 5 shares · 11,579 followers View post →
Titiat Scriptor
@titiatscriptor · X

7| Quellen: Q1: https://t.co/h4hDGe3P2Z Q2: https://t.co/RfaIrodJzj Hinweis: Eine frühere Version dieses Threads habe ich im vergangenen Jahr schon einmal gepostet.

Jun 21, 2022 · 19 likes · 6,616 followers View post →
PhysioOVER9000
@ThomasRoth91 · X

@GregLehman How about this one? https://t.co/Uk0eSPWP4B

Jun 7, 2022 · 5 likes · 1,159 followers View post →
KOJI@プライマルコーチ
@kojija · X

【負荷の低い思考で解決法がインキュベートされる】 精神が自由に負荷の少ない作業に取り組むことで、創造的な問題解決が促進される 以前に遭遇した問題解決のパフォーマンスが大幅に向上 この効果によりマインドワンダリングのレベルが高くなる https://t.co/DbPyDrRuQP

Apr 18, 2023 · 3 likes · 2,310 followers View post →
Dr. Michael Ralph
@MichaelCRalph · X

This is interesting... connects to conversations we've had recently on both creativity and the impact of brain breaks. https://t.co/aEpjnSk4Ux CC: @OnlineCrsLady @HAKretschmer @YoukiTerada https://t.co/0HNdZaUjv8

Mar 6, 2023 · 3 likes · 1,094 followers View post →
理学療法士_海津陽一 Ph.D.
@copellist · X

Jan 10, 2023 · 2 likes · 10,652 followers View post →

All mentions

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Gabriel Belmar
@elareadebroca.bsky.social · Bluesky

Baird, Benjamin & Smallwood, Jonathan & Mrazek, Michael & Kam, Julia & Franklin, Michael & Schooler, Jonathan. (2012). Inspired by Distraction: Mind Wandering Facilitates Creative Incubation. Psychological science. 23. 1117-22.

Mar 1, 2025 View post →
ปราง Self-Growth
@Maprangself · X

แหล่งที่มา Baird, B., Smallwood, J., Mrazek, M. D., Kam, J. W., Franklin, M. S., & Schooler, J. W. (2012). Inspired by distraction: Mind wandering facilitates creative incubation. Psychological Science, 23(10), 1117-1122. Colzato, L. S., Ozturk, A., & Hommel, B. (2012).

Feb 22, 2025 · 1 like · 8,126 followers View post →
Karen Costa (she/her)
@karencosta.bsky.social · Bluesky

Do you make and protect time for mind wandering in your teaching? At work? In life? #ADHD #HigherEd #Creativity pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22941876/

May 9, 2024 · 1 like · 1 share View post →
Mariana
@marianaobr24 · X

Algunos estudios que hacen referencia a esto: https://t.co/frOw0r1Efk https://t.co/MHP8fhVEs9 https://t.co/RlPGbKUJg4

Aug 4, 2023 · 1,095 followers View post →
KOJI@プライマルコーチ
@kojija · X

【負荷の低い思考で解決法がインキュベートされる】 精神が自由に負荷の少ない作業に取り組むことで、創造的な問題解決が促進される 以前に遭遇した問題解決のパフォーマンスが大幅に向上 この効果によりマインドワンダリングのレベルが高くなる https://t.co/DbPyDrRuQP

Apr 18, 2023 · 3 likes · 2,310 followers View post →
Dr. Michael Ralph
@MichaelCRalph · X

This is interesting... connects to conversations we've had recently on both creativity and the impact of brain breaks. https://t.co/aEpjnSk4Ux CC: @OnlineCrsLady @HAKretschmer @YoukiTerada https://t.co/0HNdZaUjv8

Mar 6, 2023 · 3 likes · 1,094 followers View post →
理学療法士_海津陽一 Ph.D.
@copellist · X

Jan 10, 2023 · 2 likes · 10,652 followers View post →
Titiat Scriptor
@titiatscriptor · X

7| Quellen: Q1: https://t.co/h4hDGe3P2Z Q2: https://t.co/RfaIrodJzj Hinweis: Eine frühere Version dieses Threads habe ich im vergangenen Jahr schon einmal gepostet.

Jun 21, 2022 · 19 likes · 6,616 followers View post →
PhysioOVER9000
@ThomasRoth91 · X

@GregLehman How about this one? https://t.co/Uk0eSPWP4B

Jun 7, 2022 · 5 likes · 1,159 followers View post →
Paul Bailey
@DoktorPaulie · X

RT @manuelacasasoli: Inspired by distraction... It is important to be able to focus but also "to unfocus, to let our mind wander when we n…

Mar 7, 2022 · 5 shares · 3,713 followers View post →
Gio Pagliari
@giopagliari · X

RT @manuelacasasoli: Inspired by distraction... It is important to be able to focus but also "to unfocus, to let our mind wander when we n…

Mar 7, 2022 · 5 shares · 16,093 followers View post →
Anubi_Inpw
@Anubi_Inpw · X

RT @manuelacasasoli: Inspired by distraction... It is important to be able to focus but also "to unfocus, to let our mind wander when we n…

Mar 7, 2022 · 5 shares · 7,125 followers View post →
MM
@mummy_mindful · X

RT @manuelacasasoli: Inspired by distraction... It is important to be able to focus but also "to unfocus, to let our mind wander when we n…

Mar 7, 2022 · 5 shares · 3,135 followers View post →
ayoub Matioui
@ayoubOnlyone · X

RT @manuelacasasoli: Inspired by distraction... It is important to be able to focus but also "to unfocus, to let our mind wander when we n…

Mar 7, 2022 · 5 shares · 99 followers View post →
Diana
@onlybeci · X

RT @manuelacasasoli: Inspired by distraction... It is important to be able to focus but also "to unfocus, to let our mind wander when we n…

Mar 7, 2022 · 5 shares · 782 followers View post →
Manuela Casasoli
@manuelacasasoli · X

Inspired by distraction... It is important to be able to focus but also "to unfocus, to let our mind wander when we need to." #teaching #education #edutwitter #learning @AceThatTest ⏯️The Benefits of Mind Wandering 1-https://t.co/cAzWm2TGon 2-https://t.co/OxzVQDKHN9 https://t.co/K35FQePNUZ

Mar 7, 2022 · 48 likes · 5 shares · 11,579 followers View post →
Oguz A. Acar
@oguzaliacar · X

@emollick Also confirmed in the lab: https://t.co/JLszl5ease

Feb 2, 2022 · 1 like · 794 followers View post →
Mella
@BorgesMelie · X

RT @JordanJamesEtem: Baird B, Smallwood J, Mrazek MD, Kam JWY, Franklin MS, Schooler JW (2012) Inspired by distraction: mind wandering faci…

Aug 6, 2021 · 1 share · 1,390 followers View post →
Jordan James Etem
@JordanJamesEtem · X

Baird B, Smallwood J, Mrazek MD, Kam JWY, Franklin MS, Schooler JW (2012) Inspired by distraction: mind wandering facilitates creative incubation. Psychol Sci 23:1117–1122 @rtarkoff @Oracle $DELL $TSLA $ACN $MSFT $INTC $TWTR $NOW $ORCL #Creativity https://t.co/xbfSXkWU0f

Aug 6, 2021 · 1 share · 12,648 followers View post →
Zipsite Digital Group
@ZipsiteOfficial · X

He also cites research (https://t.co/BjZKcxtXD5) linking mind-wandering to creative inspiration.

Dec 3, 2020 · 93 followers View post →
Patrick Riley
@rileypat · X

Not taking time off hurts creativity. A study by researchers at @ucsantabarbara found that unless we rest our minds for defined periods of time, we won't be able to think and process as creatively as we would if we give our minds a break. https://t.co/ZlNMBweJ6z https://t.co/khDWAeTSvg

Jul 13, 2020 · 2,148 followers View post →
Paul Stadig
@pjstadig · X

Baird, et al argue that incubation is facilitated by mind wandering which can be triggered by distraction. Baird, Smallwood, Mrazek, Kam, Franklin, and Schooler. "Inspired by Distraction: Mind Wandering Facilitates Creative Incubation." __Psychological Science__, 31 Aug. 2012.

Jan 2, 2020 · 702 followers View post →
The Curiosity Channel
@thecuriositych · X

#FactoftheDay: While it's no secret that relaxing activities such as taking a shower seem to spark creative thinking, a study published in the "Psychological Science" journal found scientific evidence for the correlation. https://t.co/kjhcB66Kbx #psychology #creativity

Jun 26, 2019 · 11 followers View post →