High school can be really stressful -- to say the least. Our weekly "Hey, It's OK!" series is here to remind you of all things you SHOULDN'T be worried about, no matter who tells you otherwise!
Daydreamers often get a bad rap: If you're prone to have your head in the clouds rather than your two feet on the ground, there's a good chance that you've gotten flack from teachers, parents and friends for being a space cadet. But we think -- and scientific studies prove -- that a wandering mind is actually a pretty great thing to have. Scroll through the list below for five reasons it's OK to be a daydreamer.
1. It's a sign of creativity.
Neuroscientific research has supported the notion that artists and other creative types often have their head in the clouds, as daydreaming involves the same brain processes associated with imagination and creativity.
2. Daydreams can lead to epiphanies.
A 2012 study found that a wandering mind can sometimes wander into brilliant ideas and sudden realizations, because daydream actually involves a very active mind. Researchers found that daydreaming is correlated with the working memory, which has to do with recalling information in the face of distractions.
3. Daydreaming promotes self-knowledge.
Taking the time to explore and discover your inner world through night and day dreaming is a great opportunity to get to know yourself better. Scientists have found that daydreamers tend to have a more active brain network, which involves self-representations, autobiographical memory, perspective and imagination.
4. Daydreamers are super smart.
The same study found that daydreamers' minds drift into the clouds because they actually have too much extra capacity to merely focus on the task in front of them and nothing else.
5. Some of the most visionary minds in history were absent minds.
The root of the absent-minded professor stereotype lies in the truth that many highly intelligent individuals are prone to daydreaming. Influential historical figures such as Sir Isaac Newton and Leonardo Da Vinci -- whose scientific innovations and art changed the world -- were known to be a little on the spacey side. And based on what we now know about daydreaming, that quality actually may have played a central role in their discoveries.
Tell us: Are you a daydreamer? Share your story in the comments or tweet @HuffPostTeen.