Categorizing Mental States

I also thought about the question of what are the different mental states one can be in. For example, when looking at incoming content (reading, screen watching, listening) this is a certain state of mind with data flowing in. When creating output (writing, playing music on instrument, speaking, thinking independently) this is a state of mind with data being generated. There is also a state of relaxation in which the mind is able to spontaneously jump into different topics, let's call it daydreaming state. Daydreaming can have a positive or negative impact depending on the emotions behind the thoughts. This is important to monitor. Of course it is hugely important to monitor the content of all three states. Also, it is probably important to have a balance between these three states.

Note that the states are not "all or nothing". You can be in a state of actively consuming data - generating ideas and connections as the data flows in. Reading is the activity that comes to mind when considering this type of active learning.