Feeling distracted? How hobbies can help you find ‘flow state’ and save your brain

By Valerie van Mulukom, Visiting Lecturer in Psychology, Coventry University

We live in what has been called the “distraction economy”: an environment full of triggers that are engineered to demand our attention at every turn. The result is often fragmented attention, loss of focus and sometimes even increased rumination and anxiety.

Becoming fully absorbed in an activity is rare. Think of a time a film was so engrossing that you didn’t reach for your phone – the film-watching experience was…

Read complete article

~	South Africa’s farmers aren’t yet replacing chemical fertilisers with sustainable alternatives – this is why

~	Five tips to make your memory work more effectively

~	How reforms under Patrice Talon have reshaped the electoral competition in Benin

~	Cubans living abroad now hold the key to their country’s uncertain future

~	As Nasa’s Artemis II Moon mission ends, a new adventure for humanity beckons

~	The UK could make migrants wait up to 20 years before becoming settled – making it one of the longest waits in the world

~	Steroid injections for joint pain: everything you need to know about using them

~	Greece’s new laws crack down on art fakes and forgeries – an expert in the market for shady art explains why they might backfire

~	US ceasefire with Iran: What’s next? A former diplomat explains 3 possible scenarios

~	Israel/OPT: States must ensure safe passage for Global Sumud Flotilla as a civilian mission challenging ongoing genocide