Concurrents – Environmental Psychology: Doing Nothing Much
On most days most offices, in most parts of the world, are filled with people working as fast as they can; some, faster than they should. The research evidence continues to build, however, that when people aren’t “doing much,” when they’re letting their minds wander, all sorts of good things can happen, knowledge-work wise. Studies have shown that when we’re daydreaming, our stress levels can fall (stress is distracting), we can mentally refresh, and we can think more creatively, for example. Improved moods have also been linked to mind wandering, and being in a positive mood has been tied to not only thinking creatively but also to improved problem solving, getting along with others, and immune system functioning (for people from Western cultures). The insights to be drawn from the scientific press indicate there are lots of pluses to building places that support “intentional” daydreaming into workplaces. Creating these sorts …
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