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Distractions. They are nothing new to humanity, but their form has changed and with advancing technology their prevalence has skyrocketed in recent years, and ultimately that can impact our well-being.
But does it matter? One might argue distractions are a small price to pay to have all this information literally at our fingertips. While there are tremendous benefits that come with the instantaneous nature of information these days, it can be overwhelming if it is not consciously managed.
There are two ways in which continual distractions can negatively impact us that I would like to explore here.
First, it is important to note, from what, exactly, are we being distracted? Answer: The present moment. Whether you are deep into preparing for tomorrow’s presentation, chopping veggies for dinner, walking, or reading to your child, you likely were in the present moment. You were one with Life, engaged in whatever aspect of it, and a distraction yanked you out of Now. It interrupted your living a real moment and substituted a virtual one. A downgrade to be sure.
While there are notifications that are truly serious and need our prompt attention, that percentage of total distractions is very small. Losing touch with the present moment might not seem like a big deal, but it’s actually it’s the biggest deal of all. This moment is the one and only place Life can be found; nowhere else. When we leave that to pick up our phones to check out some celeb’s latest reel, it matters, especially when it happens hundreds of times per day.
Unlike our devices, we recharge when we unplug.
Another way in which we are negatively impacted by constant distractions is that our energy gets fractured; splintered into fragments that can leave us feeling cranky, depleted, and tired. Toggling back and forth between apps and real life is exhausting. Humans were not designed to live in a virtual world with so much sensory input. We find it hard to stay focused on our tasks and be as productive (not to mention peaceful) as we’d like to be.
It might sound like I’m a technology humbug, but I’m not definitely against technology, just the unconscious use of it. Here are a few tips to help you manage the distractions in your life and create a more peaceful, cohesive state of being:
- Create no tech times during your week. This can be 30 minutes each day before bed, a 5 hour stretch on the weekend, or whatever interval feels right to you, but do purposefully disconnect from tech on a regular basis. Unlike our devices, we recharge when we unplug.
- Go through the settings on your phone and turn off notifications for all but the truly vital apps. Fewer ‘dings’ equals fewer distractions equals more peace.
- Tune in to yourself. How does your body feel? How is your posture? Is your brow furrowed? Do you have “tech neck?” Do you feel like you could use a good stretch? Put your phone down and stand up, stretch, do a few squats, toe raises, or move in other ways that put you back in touch with what’s good for your body. Get a glass of water.
- Another part of this is tuning into your mood – are you feeling bad about yourself, scrolling through everyone’s highlight reel? Turn away from the virtual world and engage with your real world. Pet your cat. Vacuum your family room. Make some popcorn. Live your life.
Your attention is your currency. For a better life experience, use it consciously and wisely.
If you would like help living a more conscious, purposeful life, please reach out and
schedule a FREE 30 minute call. I’d love to talk with you.
