We’re losing focus on the present. We spend 47% of our time thinking about something other than what we’re actually doing. In the UK, US and Australia, fuelled by the desire to slow down and appreciate the moment, mindfulness – which can reduce anxiety by 70% – is now the antidote to busy city lifestyles.

Facebook already knows if someone is single or dating, where they went to school, and whether they like Rihanna or Beyoncé. But now the social network has revealed that it can make people feel happy or sad depending on the pictures, videos and comments it shows them.

Americans are less happy when they either have too much or too little free time. They not only seem happier when subscribing to a philosophy of “Don’t hurry, be happy,” but also by organising their lifestyles to minimise spells of boredom.

Over-connected consumers are looking to chill out – and achieve more in the process. Brands are capitalising on our collective exhaustion and building big brownie points as they do so. But how did space and silence – very simplistic commodities – become the ultimate luxury?