(WKBN) — Every year, millions of people across the country play the lottery, and while the chances of hitting the jackpot are incredibly low, many of us still love to dream about what it would be like.
Last month, many were thinking about what they would do if they were to win the Mega Millions lottery.
While chances to win any lottery are not the greatest, there are benefits to imagining what life could be like.
Susan Albers is a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic. She says aside from just being fun to imagine, research shows daydreaming can actually help spark creativity and innovation. It may even motivate you to pursue some of your life goals. On top of that, it can also give you a break from your everyday life.
“Daydreaming about winning the lottery gives you a brief escape from the daily stressors and struggles of life,” Albers said. “It gives you a moment of low-cost entertainment that transports you out of your own reality to an imaginary world.”
Albers also says people believe that winning the lottery is an instant ticket to happiness. And research indicates that lottery winners have the same level of happiness before and after they win.
She warns that playing the lottery can be addicting and recommends stopping if you find yourself spending money you shouldn’t or are experiencing emotional distress.