From humming to talking to yourself, some of our stranger quirks can be beneficial to our health:

Many regard this as the sign of a short attention span but letting your mind wander can boost your problem-solving abilities.

A study at the University of British Columbia found that when participants’ minds wandered, the parts of their brain associated with problem-solving became more active than when focused on routine tasks.

That is because daydreaming frees up the brain to process other tasks more effectively.

So while part of the brain is dreaming, the part associated with complex problem-solving is activated.

Many of us absent-mindedly scribble when we have paper in front of us, so it is good to know that it has been credited with improving cognitive function.

Research shows making the spontaneous marks on paper helps people stay focused, grasp new concepts, and retain information.

It may be annoying for the person sitting next to you on the train, but it can help to alleviate stress.

A study in Bangalore, India, showed the meditation chant “om,” which ends in a humming sound, deactivated the areas of the brain associated with depression.

Humming also improves airflow between the sinuses and nasal cavity, which helps keep sinuses healthy.

It is supposedly the first sign of madness – but maybe it is really just a form of self-coaching.

As children, we talk to ourselves through difficult tasks – and we do the same as adults, albeit mostly in our heads rather than out loud.

One study in Wisconsin showed those who spoke aloud to themselves were able to locate various objects quicker than those who stayed silent.

Always fidgeting? Well then, you may just be improving your chances of living longer.

A recent study of more than 12,000 women in the United Kingdom found those who fidgeted were protecting themselves against the damage caused by sitting still all day.

And fidgeting also burns up to 350 calories a day.

This article originally appeared on The Sun.

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