By: Jami McDermott
Ever pick up your phone to check the time and end up watching cat videos for an hour? Or meant to send a quick email but somehow ended up shopping for a hoodie you absolutely do not need? Yep, distractions may be stealing your life.
According to Reviews.org, it has become a daily habit to check our phones on average, 205 times a day – starting before we even get out of bed. And let’s be honest: if someone asked you what you accomplished today, would you say, “Well, I binged an entire season of ‘Emily in Paris’ and refreshed my Instagram feed 62 times. These tiny little time bandits can rob us of personal growth, productivity, and health.
Try These Healthy Habits
If this is you, try these healthy habits:
📵 Silence notifications & put your phone out of reach. The old saying, “Out of sight, out of mind” really does work.
🕰️Consider the limited time you have each day and prioritize the tasks you have before you. Maybe limit your technology time and check something off your list first.
5️⃣ Do five more—minutes, pages, or reps—before quitting what you are working on. It’s a sneaky little trick that extends your focus.
🧘♂️ Practice sitting still without thinking of anything for five minutes, ok maybe start with one, this takes practice..
🏋️Give your brain a gym membership – Try spelling words backward or do a 1000-piece puzzle (seriously, it’s harder than you think). Little exercises that require your undivided attention strengthen focus like a mental CrossFit class.
🔄 Swap screen time for real activities that provide self-care—read, walk, breathe.
Distractions Aren’t All Bad
Distractions aren’t bad; sometimes, they’re a form of coping with stress, but don’t let them run the show. If you find yourself distracted by more serious things in life, like depression, loss, or an unplanned pregnancy, reach out to the professional counselors at Birthright St. Charles, and they will help you regain a sense of control. Now, get back to what matters! Now, get back to what you meant to do in the first place.
