Indistractable

Learn to cope with the underlying discomfort that makes you seek distraction.

Distraction is a coping mechanism the human brain evolved to alleviate pain. Since human beings are never happy or satisfied for long, distraction is ever-present.

Distraction can make you feel powerless over your behavior. Instant gratification is an important component of a distraction’s appeal. Planning ahead will help you control your attention and choices. Overcome distraction by better managing unpleasant feelings. Learning to manage your time means learning how to manage your pain.

Make tasks less vulnerable to distraction, and cultivate self-compassion.

Trying to actively suppress a compulsion or distraction may make it more powerful. The practice of acceptance and commitment therapy outlines a four-step approach. First, identify the internal sensation that prompts the need for distraction. What unpleasant thought or feeling are you trying to soothe, repress or avoid? Second, jot down that thought or feeling, tagging it with a date and time. Third, deliberately explore the sensation of how it feels to experience that internal trigger. Notice your increased ...