What is digital anthropology? In an ongoing blog series, VINAYA's in-house anthropologist Sammi demonstrates through exploring different questions and ideas. Here, Sammi puts herself in the shoes of the device that within a single generation has gone from being unknown, to being a paramount object for modern life on which we all depend.
Read MoreOur CEO Kate explains the greater vision of VINAYA, and our in-house psychologist Leah explores the digital problem with the modern human condition.
Read MoreWe are never alone anymore. As the internet and devices become ubiquitous, so do our digital interactions and distractions. In support of National Day of Unplugging, our in-house psychologist explores the benefits of finding solitude and why it's important to unplug from time to time.
Read MoreAs human beings, we have a finite amount of attention. Making time to create balance can be a struggle, especially in our modern hyper-connected reality where time has become our greatest luxury. Still, as we move through each day, we possess the potential to value, prioritise, organise and enjoy moments, people and activities as we choose. When we act mindfully, we make small choices about how this might impact the running themes in our lives.
Read MoreLet’s face it: even a best friend can be an annoying third wheel, particularly when they are an omnipresent source of neediness. Interested to better understand the effect that smartphones have on modern relationships, we asked 79 non-singles to tell us what role their digital devices play in their romantic relationships. Digging beyond the stats, we wanted to understand how they as a couple deal with digital disruption. The verdict? A bunch of mixed feelings.
Read MoreSelf-improvement forms the basis of so many of our behaviours and decisions. As 2016 commences, it’s a common time to reflect on the the year past and decide where we want to make changes in the next 365 days. Here are three things to keep in mind to make meaningful and lasting change for a more balanced year.
Read MoreAs Christmas approaches, and we’re bombarded with online and offline content about buying gifts for one another, it’s easy to become cynical about the consumerist nature of the holiday season. Gift-giving can quickly feel like a stressful, expensive obligation rather than a generous action. So why do we do it?
Read MoreHow clearing our space changes our mental space. The beautiful work that occurs when we discard everything that does not “spark joy,” after thanking the objects that are getting the heave-ho for their service; and do not buy organising equipment — your home already has all the storage you need.
Read MoreThere's no need to re-state the statistics on phone checking. We all acknowledge we spend too much time staring at a screen, but wasted time aside, more concerning is our decreasing level of patience, reduced levels of empathy, dwindling conversational skills, challenges with real human connection and our inability to be alone with our own thoughts... not to mention the negative effects smartphones are having on our ability to focus.
Read MoreThe negative effects of elevated cortisol levels caused in part by digital overstimulation and stress are endless. Some of the most noteworthy symptoms are the negative impact it has on our immune system and our deteriorating memory recall ability. You may have noticed the people who are busy and stressed are often sick - this correlation has been confirmed by doctors who have studied how cortisol affects our immune system by interfering with T-cell production and function (i.e. our immune cells), thus making us more susceptible to invading pathogens. This was outlined in a longitudinal study that compiled over 30 years of research to find correlations between acute stressors, increased cortisol and lowered immune response.
Read MoreThe VINAYA team is made up of researchers, engineers, and designers, and we’re inherently interested in testing and trying methods that help us perform at our best. We work at a fast pace and to tight timelines, so we’re always researching ways we might be able to improve or our own personal potential and wellbeing. We’ve experimented with a plethora of ‘life-hacks’, but have found that one of the most effective changes we’ve made to our workday doesn’t actually take place in the office, it’s how we wake up at home....
Read MoreWe drink green smoothies and lemon water and refrain from sugar like the plague, but scientists are now uncovering the processes through which sleep cleanses the brain better than any supplement or detox.
Previously, scientists thought the brain only cleaned itself by trickling toxins through brain tissues, but according to Maiken Nedergaard, co-director of the Center for Translational Neuromedicin at the University of Rochester Medical Center School of Medicine and Dentistry, wastes are forcefully pushed through the brain at a much faster and higher pace.
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