How distracted are you?

Years ago, I delved into the concept of multitasking and discovered that it's more of a fallacy than a reality. Unlike computers, our brains can truly focus on only one task at a time. What we often perceive as multitasking is, in fact, a constant switching between various tasks. This realization made it clear how challenging it can be to maintain focus and productivity. 

A friend lent me Johann Hart's book, "Stolen Focus," which delves into the science behind our ever-present distractions, including the myth of multitasking. I found it particularly enlightening how the book explores the dual challenge we face: the personal responsibility to enhance our focus and the external environment that often makes it incredibly hard to do so. 

Over the last two summers, I decided to take extended breaks from social media, and it significantly reduced my distractions. However, what I've observed is that once my self-imposed hiatus ends, I'm easily drawn back into the world of mindless scrolling I had worked so hard to escape. In my opinion, the most effective way to tackle this issue is to disconnect from these apps entirely.

For those who, like me, grapple with distractions and struggle to maintain focus, I'd like to share a few strategies that have been helpful. My phone is perpetually on "Do Not Disturb," and I've disabled notifications for most of my apps. When it's bedtime, I switch it to airplane mode before dedicating time to read a chapter of a book and write in my gratitude journal. Interestingly, I lost my earbuds a few months ago, which led to a positive change: I no longer carry my phone to listen to a podcast when I walk my dogs. This small adjustment offers me a break from constant input and allows my mind to wander, taking in more of my surroundings.

Where can you implement similar small changes in your life to mitigate the distractions that challenge your focus?