On Noise
Backgrund noise is detrimental to a persons well being. I'm not talking about the abusive noise you find at concerts, or car races, or that which is being pumped directly into the ears of seeminly every teenager walking by via their shiny white iPod earbuds. No, those are blatant damaging things. Activities such as living near a busy roadway or airport, working in an open office of cubes, and studying in a busy library such as the DC each have high volumes of background noise (meaning a lot, not as in loud). Often over-looked this background noise can have very detrimental effects on the body.
Increased stress, inability to concentrate, having what is referred to as a 'short temper', and a weaker immune system call all result from the seemingly unobtrusive background noise in everyones daily life. I'm by no means an expert on this subject, but it is one topic which I often read up on and think about during the day. From my experience all of the above things are true.
Think about it yourself. As you live your daily life look for the things that are there in the background and try to find a way to cut them out. Its worth it, you'll feel better and probably get more done too. The brain does a pretty great job of filtering it out, but it can probably use some help.