MANAGING THOSE PESKY DISTRACTIONS – FROM THE DESK OF SOMEBODY WHOSE MIND FLITS AROUND LIKE A BUTTERFLY. 

I know that for many families, the relief for them and the teachers  that their very distracted child is now taking something to promote concentration is enormous.  There is certainly a reason for some to be taking medication inorder to help with the learning HOWEVER I would like to know that those taking medication are ALSO STILL LEARNING the valuable and life long TOOLS to good and effective work – learning to manage that busy mind, embracing the the privileges of that mind too!  

I am one of those easily distracted people.  I tried taking Ritalin but for me it was a scary experience.  It made me unnervingly anxious – and I could do little to settle. 

So, below is a list of what really helps me.  

First and foremost, I know that I CANNOT MULTITASK effectively.  It makes me more scattered and then even less things get done.  So, I take on one job at a time as best as I can. 

I watch my self talk.  When I hear myself talking about being hyper’ or ‘so distracted’ – I use my inner voice and remind myself that I know that I can finish through on tasks and that I “used to be very distracted” but NOW I know that I can …….It is easy to box oneself into a powerless corner  – and  the diminishing self description can often be far from the truth!

My mind wanders easily.  I gently bring it back to the task that I am doing.  Calmly.

I do use ESSENTIAL OILS to set me up for sitting down!  This morning I have used a combination of rosemary, peppermint and  sweet orange.  It alerts me to the time of sitting and getting on with a project.

I visualise the type of person that I want to be and feel how I would like to feel when I complete what I need to do. 

I set a TIMER to get me going.  I have set mine now for 23 minutes.  I will keep typing until it buzzes … It is amazing how much can be done in that time.

I put my telephone away – completely.  

And I remind my self that I am ‘choosing’ to do this work because it matters to me.  My WHY’s create propulsion.  

I take very regular breaks to jump on the spot and shake myself out. This resets me for the next stint. 

If the thoughts of the other things that I want to do pop into my head, I write them down.  That ‘to do’ list is parked and I will get to it later.  And I trust myself to know that I will do so. 

I look at my phone only at certain times of the day.  I address emails and texts during those times.  

I appreciate my conversations with friends, listening to what their saying and enjoying their presence.  Even though my thoughts can start whirling, I remind myself of the privilege of being with somebody else.  Interacting with others is joyful and a privilege.

To enjoy my strong coffee in the early morning – but thereafter plenty of hot water and green tea.  

My desk is relatively clear.  I do fiddle with a paper clip and that keeps me focusing. 

I ensure that my diet is full of the nourishing foods for brain health.  Also, I am very lucky to be in the countryside and it is easy for me to walk outside.  I start each day with a walk and strong coffee.  

I do enjoy nourishing and wholesome food – and I purposefully eat foods that are good for ‘brain health’. Also, I keep well hydrated.

I have a very large WHITE BOARD – on it are lists and reminders of important things to get done.  It is not a perfect help – but it is one of them.  I also have always with me a very large blank note book.  Into this goes everything from shopping lists, to thoughts, to the names of people I have met and importantly the tasks that I want to do!  I also might take notes from a podcast.  Because it is in one book – I know that the info is there.  Again, I often miss things –  but I get to then at some point in time!

It is very easy to judge myself critically and from a ‘less than’ view point.  I speak to others about giving themselves grace and compassion – I too have to do the same.  When I do so, I immediately notice that the kindness enables me to get back to the task.  

WHEN I DO finish a task, notice and pat yourself on the back.  The satisfaction derived from this will give you the momentum for the next thing that you need to do.  

What I also notice is that I see what others are doing and get frustrated that I am not like them!  This is not helpful at all.  Yes, we can learn and be inspired by others and adopt useful tips – but you also come to your work and thinking from your own unique perspective.  High five this!

Being a distracted person can also come with interesting perspectives.  You might not be a detailed person, but perhaps you are creative enough to see interest links across subjects.  Perhaps your distractions enable you to see through a broader lens –  giving you a richer perspective on matters.  Perhaps you are such a fast thinker that you can get to grips with problems and see solutions with clarity.  In short – look for the positive!