Choose to see the good in distractions
In this age of cell phones and screen time, we tend to think of distraction as a negative word. As a mother of teenagers, I can attest to the fact that most days I feel like they are too distracted by their devices and I wish they could focus more. However, how often do we focus on the benefits of distraction? Distractions can be healthy if used in a positive way.
How do you use distraction in a positive way?
Distractions can be health and a positive tool. For example, distractions can provide an escape and a much needed break from our routines, our work, our stress and our anxiety. Psychologist have written about how people use distractions to ease pain, help them cope and take attention away from a bad habit. Also, distractions remind me that I have a choice of how to spend my time and how to occupy my mind and I find this empowering. Similarly, it helps to know that I have things I can do and enjoy when I need a break. I believe the trick is to use distractions as a way to find relief and rejuvenation (healthy) instead of as a detachment from reality (unhealthy).
What are your favorite distractions?
There are so many ways to distract ourselves and “escape” in a positive way. Here are just some of the common distractions I use:
Music – Music is powerful and has a way of transporting our minds and emotions to a different time. For instance, I love to play the piano. When I need a break from boredom or a mundane task, I love to sit down and play a few songs. I use music to change my point of view.
Reading – Reading is a fantastic way to escape into another world and reality for just a short time. Having a good book to read is one of my favorite ways to distract myself from the details life. I become absorbed in caring about something or someone else.
Puzzles – Do you enjoy jigsaw puzzles? I have always loved doing puzzles and have fond memories of sitting at the table doing jigsaw puzzles with my grandparents. Therefore, having a puzzle set up in my house is one of my favorite ways to find relief. For me, there are few things better than taking a break from what I’m doing to sit down at a puzzle and see it come together piece by piece.
Video games – Video games are not just for kids! I know many adults, myself included, who have games on their phones or computers and use these as a way of distraction. After all, for most of us our phones are always with us in moments of boredom, waiting, and frustration. Games can be either stimulating or mind-numbing. However, used at appropriate times (and in moderation as I would tell my kids) they can relieve stress and be a good thing.
Life can busy and complicated. As a result, we all need a break sometimes. Choose to see distractions for the benefits they can provide. Use them to increase the joy and peace in your life.
Challenge for the week:
- Think about what you do when you need distraction.
- Evaluate if the distraction is productive (providing relief, helping you cope, acting as an outlet) or if the distraction is negative (detaching you from reality and becoming a bad habit).
- Try something new to distract yourself and provide a positive escape. Maybe pause to pray, work on a DIY project, take a short nap, create something, meditate, go outside, call a friend or exercise.
- Build positive distraction habits.