We’ve all got a few habits that land us on the naughty list. Daydreaming instead of finishing that spreadsheet. Talking to yourself in the car. Enjoying a little extra cheese on your pizza. Guess what? Some of those “naughty” behaviors might actually be quietly helping you live your best life.
Our friends at Virtua Health are here to set the record straight. Here are five “naughty” habits that might actually be nice.
1. Daydreaming
You’re staring out the window, thinking about everything and nothing at once. Your coworker thinks you’re spacing out. Your brain is hard at work. Daydreaming is your mind’s private playground. It lets you wander into problem‑solving, creative thinking, future planning, and even unconscious learning. Research has shown that when your mind drifts into spontaneous thoughts, your brain default‐mode network (DMN) and other networks linked to creativity and executive control become active. In one study, people who engaged in “positive constructive daydreaming” showed higher creativity and better ability to connect unrelated ideas. And for those low‑effort tasks where attention isn’t maxed out, mind wandering actually improved learning of hidden patterns in the brain. So the next time you catch yourself staring off mid‑meeting, don’t stress because they are basically giving your brain a genius upgrade.
2. Talking to Yourself
You’re walking down the street and muttering “Okay, keys wallet phone” as if the world is your private audience. People might raise an eyebrow, but your brain is quietly cheering. That self-talk, whether you’re narrating your day or saying “you’ve got this,” is more than quirky. Psychologists refer to it as self-directed speech or inner speech, and it contributes to higher mental functions including reasoning, problem-solving, planning, attention, memory and task execution. Studies show that spoken self-talk helps with focus and clarity. Even children talk themselves through tasks like tying shoelaces and adults do it too. And it gets even better. Talking positively to yourself in the mirror using affirmations has been scientifically shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase motivation. So when you are giving yourself a pep talk or thinking through your next move out loud, you are not weird. You are efficient, human, and secretly giving your brain a boost.
3. Eating Fat
Yes, fat is good for you. We are talking about the kind that comes from avocados, nuts, olive oil, salmon and other brain‑friendly foods. Even some fats that get a bad reputation, like coconut oil or the omega‑3s in fatty fish are actually essential for your body and brain to work properly. Your brain is made up of about 60 percent fat, and many of these fats, called essential fatty acids, cannot be made by the body. They help build the myelin sheath that lets your neurons fire fast and keep your cell membranes flexible so brain cells can communicate clearly. Fats that are natural and balanced, including healthy saturated fats, monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, support your brain, help your hormones, aid in absorbing fat‑soluble vitamins and even boost mood and memory. That slice of avocado, drizzle of olive oil or handful of walnuts? Your neurons just threw a little confetti parade.
4. Fidgeting
Your foot taps, your pen spins, or your fingers drum on the desk. It might look like restlessness, but your brain is quietly loving it. Studies show that fidgeting can boost focus, burn off extra energy, and even help you remember things better. That bouncing foot is your brain’s way of staying awake during long meetings. That spinning pen is secretly helping your mind sort out tricky problems. Next time you catch yourself in full fidget mode, smile. You are doing exactly what your brain ordered.
5. Being Messy
If your desk looks like a tornado hit it, don’t panic. There is a method to the madness. Studies suggest that a messy environment can spark creativity and help people generate fresh ideas. Being surrounded by controlled chaos allows your brain to make unexpected connections and see problems in new ways. That pile of papers is actually a jungle gym for your imagination.
Embrace it, lean into it, and maybe even invite a friend over to marvel at your “creative brilliance.” Just make sure the mess doesn’t become a lost-and-found for missing socks or old takeout containers.
Find Your Balance
Sometimes the habits we feel guilty about are the ones doing the most for us. Daydream, talk to yourself, eat the good fat, swear a little, and embrace the mess. Life is too short for perfection. Health and happiness are about curiosity, creativity, and letting yourself enjoy the ride. Everything in moderation really is the secret to staying on the Nice list.
Virtua Health is here to help you find balance beyond the holidays. From nutrition advice to stress management and preventive care, our Primary Care team is your go-to for staying healthy in every season.
Schedule your checkup today and end your year feeling your best.
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