How to Feel Present in a World Full of Distractions
The sun is bright outside, but the screen on your phone is brighter, so you reach for the phone instead. Time flies by as you scroll through one app after another. Before you know it, the three things on your to-do list for the day never got done. It’s so easy to get distracted in a world full of screens and stimulation right? What happens when you’re tired of opening and closing the same apps all day or binge-watching seasons of a show you accidentally stumbled upon? Do you turn your phone off, put it away for a bit, and go for a walk? Or do you shut it off then go over to your desk and turn your laptop on?
If you answered yes to the latter and feel exhausted by certain habits, or feel that you are unable to “be present”. Then I encourage you to put away the device you’re reading this on, once you’re done reading and unplug. What does it mean to “unplug”? It’s something that can be done by avoiding some, or all, of the technology that we use daily and often disconnects us from the world that is in front of us. It’s important to note that to be truly present, we should acknowledge common distractions that aren’t typically talked about. This includes people and unnecessary conversations that are held with them when we find ourselves feeling lonely or sad. Instead of sitting with our feelings and trying to understand them, it may be easier to push past them entirely. When we do this and look for fulfillment in relationships or momentary connections, we are distracting ourselves.
See, a distraction doesn’t always have to have a screen, it can be found in the form of a human being. In these cases, we must learn how to figure out what it is that we really need. Meaning that the desire to chat with anyone that will listen could be a sign that it’s time to have deeper conversations with yourself. Allow yourself to be comfortable in your own company and listen to everything your body is telling you. Whether it’s wonderful things or difficult truths you have been avoiding; listen.
Our bodies often tell us to slow down when we go too fast and we don’t listen to it; signs can appear in the form of tired eyes from staring at a computer screen too long or a heavy heart from the things we refuse to feel. Whatever you’re consciously or unconsciously distracting yourself with may be more damaging than you think and that’s when we must remember to walk away.
Literally, go outside and take a walk, or just sit down and meditate. Inhale and exhale, stretch, cry, scream, let the thoughts come, process them, and let them go. Choose to disconnect for a bit and you’ll find yourself more connected to yourself and those close to you. Those work emails that feel draining to type may even start to get done quicker! Now go ahead and take that walk (or short nap).
