When we busy ourselves with mundane chores, our medial prefrontal cortex, posterior cingulated cortex, and the temporoparietal junction go to work. When we think through complex problems, it’s the lateral prefrontal cortex and dorsal anterior cingulate cortex that light up on fMRI scans.
Only when we’re daydreaming are all of the above areas active.
It’s as if while daydreaming, we’re able to integrate our creative with our workaday sides. You might not get the dishes done while staring blankly out the kitchen window, but you might suddenly find you understand relativity, or know exactly what’s to be done in your love life.