Usually when we’re working on a difficult problem we try to keep our minds from running astray, but scientists have found the opposite might be true. When you daydream you activate an area of the brain called the “default network”, traditionally thought to impair mental performance, not catalyze it. Researchers conducted a facial recognition study and used an MRI scanner to map brain activity. The results showed that participants, who used the default network area of the brain more, recognized more faces. So next time you’re faced with a vexing problem, try daydreaming; the answer might just come to you.