Distraction Addiction-how it's impacting your ability to be in the present

We're all talking a lot about mindfulness and how to incorporate it into our daily lives. In theory, it sounds fantastic. However, most people don't truly understand what mindfulness entails.

1. Deliberately focusing attention

2. On the present moment

3. Without judgment

For example, while driving home from work, a mindful check-in might go like this:

Step 1: "Brooke, what are you feeling inside?"

Step 2: Realizing that I feel tense and my mind is racing

Step 3: Not labeling this as bad, not trying to alter it, not panicking—just observing it and moving on.

The more I practice this, the more insights I gather. If I notice this pattern every time I drive home, I become curious about what's truly happening. Recognizing this pattern allows me to explore changes to make my drive home feel different.

So why discuss mindfulness when this blog's topic is distraction addiction? Because it's challenging to check in with myself when I'm glued to screens, listening to music or podcasts, constantly seeking stimulation, etc. Have you noticed what people do while waiting in line at the grocery store? They're on their phones. A 1-3 minute wait seems unbearable to our trained brains.

I remember going to a restaurant recently and there was a table of 4 friends sitting together. They were all on their phones. Once I noticed it the first time, I started to see it everywhere. We are in the same rooms with one other, but we are not connecting. We are losing the ability to have meaningful conversations.

A client recently mentioned needing a podcast or music while showering because it was too boring otherwise. My initial thought was, "But shower thoughts are the best, and you're missing them!" Why do we have shower thoughts? Because we're less distracted.

Our culture is addicted to distraction, making it increasingly difficult to be present, sit in stillness, listen to our inner voices, or connect with our intuition or feelings. Distraction disconnects us from ourselves and others.

Consider these questions:

1. How much time do you spend on social media?

2. How often do you play online games?

3. How much time do you spend with two screens on, dividing your attention?

4. Can you walk or do chores without music or a podcast?

5. How does silence feel? What thoughts arise?

To live more authentically and intentionally, we must first identify what hinders us. Then, we can devise a plan to reduce those behaviors and create space for new ones. Humans need connection, and our health depends on it.

HINT: A great way to check in after using a screen is to ask yourself how you feel after. If you feel more tired, drained, irritated, tense, whatever....then the distraction didn't help you, it harmed you.