Mind Wandering to Bodily Sensations May Reduce Depression and ADHD Symptoms

Research published March 25, 2026, suggests that the tendency for the mind to wander toward physical sensations may be linked to a reduction in symptoms of depression and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, distinguishes between different types of mind wandering and their potential impacts on long-term mental health and immediate emotional states.

Cognitive vs. Body Wandering

Scientists typically categorize mind wandering by its cognitive aspects, which include spontaneous thoughts about memories, social interactions, or future plans. According to Micah Allen, a neuroscientist at Aarhus University in Denmark, these processes are important for creativity, learning and planning.

However, cognitive mind wandering can also be associated with negative emotional states. Specifically, obsessive rumination on past mistakes has been linked to the development or presence of mental illnesses, including depression and ADHD.

Allen noted that the phenomenon of body wandering—where the mind drifts toward internal physical sensations—has been largely overlooked in previous research.

Study Methodology and Brain Signatures

To examine this, researchers conducted a study with 536 participants. The process involved having participants lie still in a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner, after which they completed a questionnaire regarding the content of their thoughts during that time.

While many participants reported typical daydreaming content, others reported focusing on bodily sensations, including:

• Heartbeats
• Breathing
• Bladder sensations

The resulting MRI scans revealed that body wandering possesses a distinct brain signature that differs from the neurological patterns associated with cognitive mind wandering.

Links to Mental Health Symptoms

The research team found a correlation between the frequency of body wandering and mental health markers. Specifically, the data indicated that people with higher symptoms of ADHD or depression experienced reduced levels of body wandering.

This suggests that the ability of the mind to spontaneously shift toward bodily sensations may serve as a factor in reducing the symptoms of these conditions.