If you're struggling to remember your dreams but want to dive into some deep-sleep analysis, try keeping a journal by your bed. Write down everything you recall about your dreams as soon as you wake up.

Exploring the meaning of other people's dreams can be entertaining and insightful, minus the Freudian undertones. Below, you'll find some classic dream interpretations along with alternative views. 

Animals: 

                                

    In dreams, animals often represent our basic needs or core emotions. The condition of the animal (caged or free, healthy or neglected, etc.) can reflect how well we're addressing our fundamental needs. Alternatively, dreaming of an animal might be a sign it's time to convince your partner to let you get that dog you've been wanting—you’ll take great care of it!

Babies: Dreaming of babies doesn’t mean you’re expecting one. Instead, babies symbolize new ideas and fresh starts. If you dream of giving birth, it’s usually a positive sign, indicating that you might soon be bringing a new and exciting project to fruition.


Being Chased: This classic anxiety dream often reflects what you might be avoiding in your waking life. Consider what or who was pursuing you—was it a family member, an ominous presence, or something else? If you're running from something in your dream, it might be a cue to confront whatever you're evading.


Death: Contrary to its grim appearance, death in dreams usually represents the end of a phase or relationship, or a need to let go of something that's no longer serving you. For example, it might be time to replace those jeans with holes—everyone can see them!

Nudity: Dreaming of being naked can signify feeling exposed or vulnerable. If you’re unclothed in a public setting like work, it might reflect concerns about how much of yourself you’re revealing or how others are perceiving you. In some cases, nudity might also symbolize a sense of freedom or personal accomplishment, like hitting the gym and seeing early results.


Flying: Flying in dreams is often a sign of feeling in control and on top of things. If you’re struggling to stay airborne, it might indicate a sense of losing control in your waking life. Dreams can be quite direct—sometimes they’re almost too clear! For instance, I once dreamt I learned to fly, taught my mother how to do it, and then she asked me to keep it a secret to avoid embarrassment. Dreams really know how to throw us for a loop!