How to kick the distraction addiction

Illustration: Tim Bradford

I recently interviewed a professor at Stanford University about the topic of digital distraction, which I think we can all agree is fairly pertinent given the mind-boggling stats in the press of how often we check our phones (around 150 interactions a day).

Portfolio: Fighting digital distraction

Illustration: Tim Bradford

Digital technology has become an indispensible part of our daily lives and many argue that distraction is the price of our high-tech world, but Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, author of The Distraction Addiction, says that’s wrong. He believes that we need to retake control of our relationship with technology and learn to use it in ways that allow us to be more mindful, efficient and productive

At its simplest, distraction occurs when you should be focusing your attention on a specific task, but some other task or thought keeps you from staying focused. Now there are times when it’s perfectly fine to let your thoughts take over. In fact, our brains are well designed for mind wandering; distraction, however, is less positive.

Women in publishing

Less than 10% of the PPA's 230 member organisations are run by women. It's a discouraging statistic from the professional publishing association which was addressed at a special seminar last week, entitled 'Power in Publishing: Inspiration from ambitious women'. The ambitious women offering their perspectives on the industry were Diane Young, CEO of The Drum, Mandy Rhodes, Managing Director of Holyrood Communications and Angela Haggerty, Editor of CommonSpace.

A day trip to the Scottish Borders

I'm lucky enough to live in one of the most scenic countries in the world, but I'm guilty of not making the most of it, especially with enticing long weekends to European capitals only a cheap two-hour flight away. Sometimes it's more expensive to holiday in my home country, than book a discount break. But enough excuses. This year, I'm going to make more of an effort to visit Edinburgh's surrounding countryside.