With the rise of smartphones, increasingly addictive apps, as well as social media, it can be difficult to find time to actually do nothing. With this in mind, EdUHK debuted its first Space-Out Contest this November. The contest challenged participants’ ability to do nothing – no sleeping, no eating, no phone-checking -- for 45 minutes.
“My mind kept thinking about random things during the contest,” said Erica Tsang. “It is difficult to calm it down.”
Dr. Lydia Yee, Associate Head of the Department of Psychology, helped explain Erica's experience. “Our brains have two different networks: a default network that is more active during mind wandering, and an attention network that comes on stage when we stay focused.”
“Allow yourself some time to space out in the midst of your busy daily life. Let your mind wander. It can boost our creativity,” said Dr. Yee.
EdUHK’s 1st Space-out Contest was organised to raise awareness of stress relief and slow living lifestyle.
