An interesting research piece in the New York Times on how technology (email, mobiles etc) are helping to create a 'false sense of urgency' in our lives and distracting us from other important things.  The study looked at how getting out and about in the wild can free up some 'cognitive space' and allow us to relax & focus on the task at hand; navigating a river, setting up camp etc.

I definitley see this in my life, being wrapped up in the 'online world', and long to get away from it on weekends! I often find that the most memorable, relaxing times are when I am out of mobile reception...but on the other hand can't wait to post a facebook update when Woody, our 7 month old Lab puppy, has done something amusing that I have managed to capture on video or photo!  

Is this something that most of you reading this have realised in your own lives to some degree? Do you think technology has become too distracting?  What can we do about it?

Regardless, we've now got scientific proof to show the boss or partner when they complain about our hobbies & holidays!

You can read the article here: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/16/technology/16brain.html