One of my favorite definitions of mindfulness is “paying attention on purpose." I mention this because it’s getting to be that time in the semester when you may start feeling overwhelmed. Your mind is full up, your to-do list keeps growing, and it feels like you’re swimming in a sea of tasks with no clear direction.

 

So, what happens next? You distract yourself. You pull out your phone for the hundredth time today, check whatever it is you're checking (why do we keep checking?), allow yourself to get caught up in someone else’s drama, or suddenly decide that now’s the perfect time to reorganize your closet.

 

Where is your attention focused? Are you allowing it to be splintered into a million tiny pieces? What can you do to make it a little easier to concentrate on what’s most important to you?

 

Here’s my biggest recommendation: put your phone in another room—or in your backpack if you’re at the library. You might think it’s okay to keep it face down beside you while you work, but research shows how easily our brains slip back into habitual distractions.

 

Out of sight really is out of mind. 
 

Log in to our TRIO Wellness Community and share what helps you stay focused when distractions are everywhere.

 

Lynn 💛

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