Becoming Undistracted
Tips that help me focus back on what I need to do, or keep my focus in the first place.
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It is far too easy to become distracted in this day in age. Phones, TVs, computers, pop-ups, video games, ads, flashy bright colors.
It’s no surprise lots of people are having problems with becoming distracted. I’m not just talking about people with ADHD, although I do feel some of my tips can help those with ADHD too. I’m talking about everyone. Even people I know without ADHD are struggling to stay focused and present. It doesn’t help that phones are meant to be distracting, or that video games are more stimulating than reading a book.
I’m no master at becoming undistracted. I’m regularly becoming distracted as I write this. However, I have tips to help me focus back on what I need to do, or keep my focus in the first place.
Lock your phone and computer browser.
Your apps and youtube are distracting you more than you think. How many times do you open your phone to check Instagram? Facebook? How many times do you bring up youtube?
Multiple apps on your phone keep you from opening games or social media. My favorite is Forest. You set a timer and a plant grows, but if you go out of the app and open a different one, the plant dies. The app is free but there is a premium version that unlocks a few other plants and modes (focusing with a friend for example).
There are other apps if Forest doesn’t suit your fancy. If you don’t want an app, you could just set a timer on your phone. You’ll just need the control to know not to open your phone until that timer goes off.
As for the computer, there are browser add-ons you can download that allow you to block certain sites. Say you log onto Twitter too much and it distracts you from finishing your taxes. Just download that add-on and put in Twitter as a blocked website and boom, you’re golden.
(The extension can be used for blocking your kids from certain sites too. I believe there are parental control ones that need a password so they can’t just go in and change the setting themselves.)
I actually don’t have one of these extensions. There’s been a few times I’ve had an issue with youtube, but usually, I don’t enjoy watching youtube. My bigger issue is Discord and Steam.
For others who have issues with those two, here is what I do. My first step is that I will put Discord on do not disturb and close it down, then for Steam I’ll put myself offline and close it down. If I’m still having problems with those two, I’ll log off of both of them and take them off my taskbar/desktop. The idea is the harder and more work it takes to get to them, the less likely you are to use them.
This can go for other applications you have on your computer. Minecraft, other downloaded games, Slack, etc. Put on do not disturb and close them down. No, don’t minimize them, close them.
Use simpler applications
We are all zombies to fancy calendar apps or desktop design apps or whatever fancy-schmancy new app just dropped.
They are not worth it.
I thought that because I forget deadlines or appointments easily, I needed some fancy calendar app with all these different categories for tasks or chores or meetups. And oh look I can change the background and put a fancy picture on each different reminder.
That made it so much worse.
Because the calendar was so fancy, I’d spend so much time putting in things I didn’t need reminders for. I’d make all these unnecessary categories. I became so distracted by this one app that it would take time away from doing the things I was putting on the calendar.
Now, I have a simple calendar app. I think the designs consist of a handful of colors. You make your own categories, but each is just a simple color. There are no different sections built-in, if something is an event or a reminder about a phone call, it is all the same in the app.
And let me tell you, it’s amazing. Everything (important) still gets put down. I just go into the app and put in the reminder; no playing around with designs or choosing from twenty different tones. I spend so little time on my app that it’s like an actual calendar. All I do is put in the event and that’s it.
This goes for other applications too, both on the phone and the computer. Do you really need that writing application that has fifty different designs? Sure you might if that’s your job, but if you’re just writing a paper, do you really need that?
Do you need that photoshop app on your phone? Unless you work with photoshop regularly, the phone (usually) has a built-in editor on its photos app. It’s nothing special, but for most people, it has just enough to take out that red-eye or fix the lighting.
I know the knee-jerk reaction to this is, of course I need that! Of course I need all these designs and special tools and whatnot! But I want you to really think about it. How much time do you spend just playing around on these apps? Are you spending that time creating something worthwhile? Or are you just playing around with the settings and then deleting what you did? Does your work or hobbies require you to use something so fancy? Or did you get the application because all the fancy tools looked pretty?
Spend time outside (Learn to slow down)
WITHOUT YOUR PHONE!
Okay, I get it, if you’re a parent or have a family you need the phone around in case someone calls. That’s fine. Just make sure the phone is put away and not front and center.
Spending time outside will help you slow down and connect with nature. Some of the issues with our constant need for stimulation are because we live in a fast-paced world. Everything is now. Everything is in your face. TV is loud, fast-paced, and action-packed. Video games are filled with events meant to mentally stimulate you. Work has become a go-go-go mindset. Even breaks have become work.
We need to learn to slow down and enjoy ourselves again. Instead of hiring someone else to mow your lawn, you could do it yourself. Instead of watching another episode, go outside and enjoy nature. Pick up a hobby outside. Plant some flowers. Go for walks.
Enjoy some time away from technology and the stressors of life.
Or, if you can’t go outside to nature (NYC I’m looking at you), find something you can do to slow down.
Coloring is a good one or yoga. Crafts, reading (not political books), working out. Libraries are great places to just hang out and slow down. Pick out a book and read, or join a club there.
If you’re able to go to a park in your area, I suggest going there. National parks usually have a fee, but some community parks (or even state parks) are free. If you enjoy boating or fishing or camping, some parks allow that. Just make sure you check the park rules before you go.
Museums, depending on which ones you go to, can be good for slowing down too. Since most of them have you read about the artifacts or look at pictures, it helps the mind slow down and focus on what is in front of you. The history or political aspect of museums can make some people overstimulated, so just be conscious of how you may react. Remember, the point of this is to slow down, not to get hyped up.
Some of the museums have a donation instead of a paid entry. If you can afford to donate when you enter, please do. It helps cover the cost of those who are not fortunate enough to pay to enter.
Spend time with friends
Not on your phone, not on your computer. Go to a coffee shop (or tea shop) and connect with your friends. Talk to them. Ask them how they are doing, ask them about plans, ask them about anything. The point of this is to remake the connections we as a society are losing because of our distractibility.
Do this with family too. With your partner(s). When was the last time you really sat down and got to know your friends, your family, or your partner(s)? Do you know what they like? What is their favorite food? What’s their favorite color? What kind of music do they like?
Do you know what their plans are for the future? Do you know what their dreams are?
We call these people are friends, but how much do we really know about them? What kind of connection do we have with them?
If this is making you upset, it should. We spend so much time distracted that we lose connections or don’t form them like we used to.
Go shop with your friends. Talk about the kind of shops you all like to go to. Talk about the food you get when you’re out. Talk about the rituals you do while you’re out.
I can assure you, you’ll feel much closer with your friends and family once you put down that phone. Plus, it will be so much easier to get them presents once you get to know them.
Plus, plus, it will make you feel better about yourself too.
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