'How do I change my dreams?'

Lucid dreaming - or being aware that you're dreaming while you're dreaming - can boost joy and help you solve problems. Here's how to do it

Seed dreams

‘Go green’ in your sleep

To get your mind, body and bedroom in a dream-friendly state, expert Athena Laz advises “tensing then relaxing every muscle from your head to your toes. Then take a few deep breaths while focusing on experiencing deep sleep.” Now comes the fun part: Picture your bedroom bathed in a beautiful green light. “Imagining this soothing hue relaxes your mind and prepares you for dreaming.”

Focus on this

Setting the goal to remember your dreams boosts recall, says Laz. “Repeat, ‘I remember my dreams upon waking up,’ or ‘I set the intention for my dreams to help me solve X problem.’” Phrasing it in the present tense hard-wires your goal. Then when you wake up, stay in the same position without moving for a bit. “This helps move your dream from short-term to long-term memory.”

Spot dream signs