The experience of dreams feeling more real and happier than waking life can be influenced by several factors:
Escapism: Dreams can provide an escape from the challenges and stresses of real life. In dreams, you might experience pleasant scenarios that are free from the complexities and responsibilities of the waking world.
Emotional Processing: Dreams can act as a way for your mind to process emotions, events, and experiences from your daily life. In some cases, dreams may present a more positive or idealized version of reality, leading to a sense of happiness.
Lack of Constraints: Dreams are not bound by the same physical laws and limitations that exist in reality. As a result, they can include fantastical elements and situations that evoke a sense of wonder and joy.
Control and Fulfillment: In dreams, you may have a sense of control over the outcomes and events, which can lead to a feeling of fulfillment and empowerment that might be absent from real life.
Unconscious Desires: Dreams can bring to the surface unconscious desires and wishes, and when these desires are fulfilled in dreams, it can create a temporary feeling of happiness.
Memory Bias: The way we remember dreams is different from how we remember waking life experiences. We tend to recall dreams more vividly when they are emotionally intense, leading to a perception that dreams are more significant and happier.
Selective Attention: When you wake up from a dream, you may focus on the positive or happy aspects of the dream, while in real life, you might be more aware of challenges and difficulties.
It's essential to recognize that dreams are a natural part of the human experience and can serve various functions, including emotional processing and problem-solving. While dreams may offer temporary happiness, they are distinct from the complexity of real life with all its ups and downs.
If you find that your dreams consistently feel happier than your waking life, it might be beneficial to explore the underlying reasons. Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor to gain insight into your emotions, life circumstances, and any potential areas for growth and fulfillment in your waking reality. Working on enhancing your well-being and finding happiness in real-life experiences can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling existence.