How To Interpret the Most Common Dreams

Upon waking, don’t move a muscle—or even open your eyes. Lie still for a few minutes, committing your dream to memory.

Grab your dream journal and record as much of the dream as you remember.

Every month or so, review your dream journal. Did recent dreams involve being chased, falling, or drowning? Those are the three most common dreams; they suggest you’re feeling threatened, helpless and overwhelmed in real life.

Pay attention to dreams where your teeth are falling out. This means you’re caught up in a situation you have doubts about, and you’re feeling powerless to change it.

Keep track of the very popular “I’m-naked-in-public-and-I-don’t-know-why” dream—it means you’re feeling vulnerable and exposed.

Note any dream involving a car crash or breakdown; it’s a sign something in your life is out of control.

Don’t dismiss the “I’m back in school and totally unprepared for this exam” dream. Figure out what part of your life you feel is being judged or tested, and what you can do about it.

No need to panic if you see dead people; it just means you’re feeling guilty about someone’s death—or worried about how their passing will affect you.

Keep recording and analyzing your dreams. The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it!