Feeding Distraction or Focus?

I am guilty of flitting between social media platforms while conversing on the phone, and I realize that it is equally annoying when the person on the other end is distracted by something else.

We all know that our attention spans are getting progressively shorter, making it increasingly difficult to concentrate on one item at a time. What bothers me more is how common it has become to become sidetracked without even noticing it.

We encounter it so frequently that we fail to see how it affects us or others around us in both personal and professional contexts. Our energy moves with our focus, so if we encourage distraction, we are probably burning it more. At no point is this the same as multitasking.

When it shifted more toward the receiving end, I became aware that I might frequently be engaging in the same behavior. As a result, I've started pushing myself to create some very basic changes that let me concentrate on just one item at a time. Basically, eliminating the potential causes of distraction from the scene.

• Genuinely meditating and focussing on that one single thought that has entered my mind.
• Hopping to a corner seat in the cafe to complete the book that has been waiting for a while.
• Distancing myself completely from the phone while exercising.
• Bookmarking common work tools or windows rather than clogging the screen with several windows.
• Taking ample necessary breaks while working from home to keep the interest level up.
• Short walks during calls, whether indoors or outside.
• Having all my meals at the dining table.
• Watching the majority of long-form digital media, such as movies, documentaries, etc., on television.
• Internet off from 8 p.m. until 8 a.m. (almost every day)

Result: I feel more in control of my time and thoughts. Above all, I know when it is happening and when it is time to pause.

#life?#selfcare