I've been on a bit of a health kick lately.  I was fascinated by a recent NY Times article about the effect of technology on the health of the human mind.  The article is about how our addiction to technology may hinder the mental recharge that exercise provides.  While the article focuses on exercise, there's a broader message that getting away from your phone/ipod/television once in a while helps the brain process experiences and turn them into long-term memories.

The NY Times also issued a challenge: give up your technology for a period of time and tell your story.  Some recurring themes from the posted stories:

• When people are bored, they aimlessly check email/Facebook
• Technology inhibits meaningful conversation
• Taking some time away from technology leads to less stress, less distractions, and calmer feelings

Almost everyone said they're not going to totally give up their devices, but they would consciously try to reduce their exposure in some way.

Do you agree with that being constantly connected is changing not only your lifestyle, but your ability learn?  Do you not even try to remember stuff since you can just Google it?  Do you think your creativity/imagination has suffered with all these digital devices in your life?

I know I feel "the internal pressure to stay in contact"; they don't call it a CrackBerry for nothing.  It does make sense that the constant distractions do tax the brain.  That said I certainly won't be turning into a Luddite any time soon.  However it does emphasize the importance of unplugging every now and then.