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6 Ways to Beat Distractions + Focus on What You Love

March 26, 2018 Crystal // Dreams, etc. 23 comments
6 Ways to Beat Distractions + Focus on What You Love

Happy Monday! Last week, you guys… last week was a rough one. I came down with a stomach bug and spent most of the week in bed and asleep. I pulled out my computer a few times to send a few emails and get a little bit of work done, but every small task I completed was followed by a nap, so I realized I wasn’t in the best shape to write anything substantial. The thing I noticed is that once I realized I was sick I started making a to-do list of things to get done for work, when really what I needed was to get some rest. There was a time when getting sick meant sleeping and reading, but those are two things I don’t take a lot of time for, even though they’re what I need to truly feel rested. Reading in particular is something that I’ve been missing. Yes, I’ve been reading, but it’s often a few chapters here and a few chapters there, slipped into in-between moments so that I can make sure I get my reading in. I’ve been able to get lost in stories, but not the way I used to. And I miss them! I also know that there are periods in life where you’re more distanced from books. That’s what I’ve been reminding myself when I look longingly at a stack of books that I want to immerse myself in. But, it’s also what I’ve been reminding myself for a few years, so I finally realized that if I’m going to read a book the way I’d like to again, I need to be more intentional about it and make sure that it fits into my life. We have to be intentional about all the things that are important to us. So, while I was sick last week I did get some work done, but I also took time to get some reading in. And it felt so, so good!

[Tweet “We have to be intentional about doing the things that are important to us.”]

A big thing I noticed was how distracted I was when I sat down to try and read. That’s probably another thing that has inhibited my reading the last few years. It really concerned me when I realized that it was taking so long to get through one chapter just because I was so distracted. I used to have a decent attention span, where did that go? (Hint: a little device we’re all so attached to.) So, I decided I needed to fix the distraction problem. If you’d like to take time to read–or accomplish any task that requires some focus–here’s how I beat distractions to finish a book!

It can be so hard to do the things we love to do in a world that's all about being connected. When I realized I was too distracted to read even a little section of a chapter of a book straight through, I knew something had to change. Here are 6 ways to beat distractions and do what you love! // dreams-etc.com

1 // Make sure it’s a book you want to read or a task you want to accomplish. Obviously if you’re not enjoying what you’re reading/doing, your mind is going to wander. So make sure you actually want to read it/do it! I used to be one of those who refused to put down a book. Someone spent time on this book and put their heart and soul into it. But… that doesn’t mean it’s for you! Every person isn’t going to like every book, so if it’s not for you, there’s no shame in putting it down. If it’s a book you own, you can donate it or take it to a used bookstore and allow it to find a new home with someone who will enjoy it. There are too many books and not enough time to read books you don’t like.

2 // Start small. Not only did it take me awhile to get through a chapter, but I had trouble focusing throughout just a little section of a chapter. So that’s where I started. I’m going to get through the next section without picking up my phone. After I was able to complete some sections, I focused on getting through chapters, and after getting through chapters I started focusing on getting to a certain page number.

3 // Put away your phone. I don’t know about you, but my phone is a BIG distraction for me. Emails come in, social media notifications, text messages… That little screen lights up and it’s like a moth to a flame: must check now. How did we exist before we were able to send a text message and get in touch with someone right away? So, put your phone away. Like in a different room. Where you have to get up to go look at it. And make sure you turn the sound off, too! It drives me crazy if I can hear the text messages or notifications come in, but I can’t check it. Must check now!  If you’re not as attached to your phone as I am, you can also try just turning off notifications, but I actually open my phone just to make sure I haven’t missed anything, so it has to be someplace else.

[Tweet “To beat distractions, put your phone in a different room. Yep, you read that right. A different room.”]

The crazy thing… toward the end of the weekend I actually unintentionally started to leave my phone behind when I was moving around the house and I didn’t miss it. It was nice!

4 // Get away from the TV. Watching a show, or movie, or YouTube video can sometimes feel easier than actually reading a book. I think there’s a time and place for all forms of media, so I don’t want to only watch TV. I want to enjoy a few TV shows, but also read books. So, when the TV was a distraction for me, I left the room and went to one without a TV.

5 // Feel the accomplishment. When you finish your book or whatever it is that you’re doing, take in how it feels. I was sad to leave new friends and a world the world I had just immersed myself in, but ready to take on a new adventure the next time I sit down to read. I felt settled and grounded after having taken time to read a book. I was also ready to take on some new tasks, now that I had taken time to rest and refresh.

I also had to find my phone.

6 // Start again. Take that time for yourself. It’s important to regularly take time out from the hustle of the day to do something for yourself. And it’s important to be able to break free from the distractions in order to do it. If you find yourself distracted the next time, that’s okay. I think it’s to be expected! So if you need, start small again, and work your way up.

Let’s focus on those things we love, again!

[Tweet “Let’s take time for the things we love again!”]

What do you do to beat distractions? I’d love to know!

[Tweet “How to beat distractions + get stuff done.”]

About Crystal

About Crystal

Hi! I'm Crystal, a millennial learning how to live slowly and sustainably, while still seeking adventure and following my dreams, etc.

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23 comments

  1. Amy Pawlukiewicz says:
    March 26, 2018 at 2:42 pm

    I have the same problems when I get sick! I’m always like, oh, I’ll take this as time to be in bed, but I’ll ALSO catch up on a, b, c and d, and then I end up running myself ragged. And these days it also takes me FOREVER to finish a book. I’ve started reading more before bed, though, and that helps.

    Reply
  2. Chelsea says:
    March 26, 2018 at 7:11 pm

    Putting away my phone….something I have been trying SO HARD but it’s SO DANG HARD sometimes!! Such a great list, Crystal.

    Reply
  3. Molly says:
    March 26, 2018 at 9:14 pm

    These are great tips! Sometimes I think it’s helpful to take a little break and come back to something later if I can’t stay focused.

    Molly and Stacie

    Reply
  4. K. Elizabeth @ YUMMommy says:
    March 26, 2018 at 11:51 pm

    I’ve started putting my phone on airplane mode. I get so much more done when I don’t have a million and one notifications popping up on my phone.

    Reply
  5. Indya S says:
    March 27, 2018 at 2:08 am

    Reading is one of my all-time favourite things to do, and I still struggle to make time for it. At the moment I’m in a phase where I’m pretty good at sitting down and relaxing with a book, but it’s not always like that. Sometimes a few weeks or even months will go by where I just can’t bring myself to read because I have a million things on my mind, and when I finally do have a moment to spare, I waste it watching TV. Distancing myself from my phone and laptop help out a lot, but I could still be much better at avoiding distractions.

    Reply
  6. Erica @ Coming up Roses says:
    March 27, 2018 at 5:57 am

    Putting the phone in another ROOM is what works for me – ha!!

    Reply
  7. Nazrin Miah says:
    March 27, 2018 at 6:29 am

    I definitely feel like being away from my phone works wonders for me! I however journal & feel once I clear my head of the clouds blocking my mind I am able to get back into the zone & get on with what I need to. It is so therapeutic for me – I do it almost daily!

    http://www.nmdiaries.com

    Reply
  8. Tabbie Norris says:
    March 27, 2018 at 7:28 am

    Starting my day focusing on my intentions really works for me! When I meditate on my intentions, I seem to get so much more done!

    Reply
  9. Cristina says:
    March 27, 2018 at 11:10 am

    Putting my phone away is the best method for me. The worst part is to actually keep it away. Usually adding it on DND works best.

    Reply
  10. Savannah says:
    March 27, 2018 at 11:17 am

    I used to be able to become completely absorbed in a book as a kid (you know, before the internet took over…) and then something happened when I majored in English in college and had to read books whether I was bored by them or not. I’ve loved getting back into reading for fun again, but I definitely have to pick something that interests me enough to drown out all the other distractions. And I’ve been keeping a list of books I’ve finished this year, and I think that sense of completion and accomplishment drives me!

    Reply
  11. Becky @ Disney in your Day says:
    March 27, 2018 at 11:33 am

    It’s definitely hard these days – even when I put my phone away and turn the TV off, I find myself reaching for it after a few minutes! I love to read though so if I can get lost in a book then I can spend hours reading it – I just need to reach that point of getting sucked in. And when I’m trying to get work done on the computer, closing out of facebook and email helps a lot.

    Reply
  12. Cristina says:
    March 27, 2018 at 12:12 pm

    Thanks for the tips! I’m unable to leave a book unfinished, if I start it I must end it even if I don’t like it. I always think, what if it gets better later?

    http://www.memoriesofthepacific.com/

    Reply
  13. Raina Crecelius says:
    March 27, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    This is so true but when that little device doubles as you reader šŸ˜ž I still end up getting distracted but once I’m into the book I can ignore the distractions 😊

    Reply
  14. Charlotte says:
    March 27, 2018 at 3:04 pm

    First, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been ill and hope you are feeling better! This has been the worst season for sickies, eh?? I love the advice of turning off the volume and putting the phone in another room. I get so distracted by that stupid thing, too!! Also I have just started following that advice of putting away a book if it doesn’t hold my interest. Would rather spend my time invested in the books I read!

    Reply
  15. Tabitha Bradley-Raines says:
    March 27, 2018 at 4:15 pm

    I even get distracted when reading sometimes. If I am reading a thought provoking book, I like to have scrap paper and a pen nearby. I can jot down any questions or thoughts that I am having and can think heavier on it later. On the plus side, those notes might just turn out to be the start of a blog post….or sometimes just the start of my grocery list.

    Reply
  16. Kerra says:
    March 27, 2018 at 8:31 pm

    You’ve inspired me to get back to reading again! I havent picked up a book in far too long. I’m going to challenge myself to stay focused too!

    Reply
  17. Deborah Hunter Kells says:
    March 28, 2018 at 2:23 am

    It is difficult not to be distracted. I find the best way – is early morning (very) or late at night when everyone is in bed. Otherwise it is when I am by myself in the office and no noise. If I read – I do get focused – so that’s a good thing. Just I don’t read a lot outside of what’s on my screen. Thankfully it’s educational – thanks for the good post!

    Reply
  18. Jasmine Maria says:
    March 28, 2018 at 7:53 am

    Putting away my phone (or putting it on silent) is something I do when I need to get stuff done otherwise I get completely side tracked.

    Reply
  19. Jeanne Criswell says:
    March 28, 2018 at 12:20 pm

    Definitely have to put the phone away and turn off the t.v.

    Reply
  20. Laura @ The Mindful Mom Blog says:
    March 28, 2018 at 4:16 pm

    Thank you for including something about if you’re not interested in reading a particular book, don’t continue to read it! I am embarrassed by how many books I forced myself to read because I thought there was some rule that I had to. Ain’t nobody got time for that! Now, if I’m not into a book, I just accept it for what it is and move along.

    Reply
  21. Real Jesus Mama says:
    March 28, 2018 at 9:16 pm

    Put the phone away, for real! I get so much more done without the distractions of social media.

    Reply
  22. This Mama... says:
    April 2, 2018 at 10:01 am

    I’ve been suffering with a spinal injury so haven’t been able to do anything as I’ve been bed bound since leaving hospital. I haven’t done anything with my blog and have been so absent from social media, I actually miss it all

    Reply
  23. Lecy | A Simpler Grace says:
    April 3, 2018 at 9:26 pm

    Oh man, I’ve been hearing horror stories about this stomach bug that’s been going around. Hope you are feeling better now! These are great tips, especially turning off the tv. I used to watch so much and when I moved, I got rid of my tv and have gotten so much more done since. šŸ™‚

    Reply

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hi!

I'm Crystal, the storyteller behind Dreams, etc. I'm all about learning how to live slowly & sustainably, while also seeking adventure as we follow our dreams, etc.

Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few g Hello, friends! šŸ‘‹šŸ¼ Swipe through for a few glimpses from January. As 2022 came to an end I had this feeling that I was preparing to hibernate and I guess, in a way, I have. I’ve been slowly easing into the new year, focused on getting back into a few routines after Iceland and the holidays. And it’s been a great month. I can’t believe it’s almost over. What have your favorite moments of January been?
2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of 2022. Looking back on this year it was the year of so many dreams experiences. Whales. Cape Cod/Nantucket. Iceland. I saw musicals that have I’ve been dreaming of with Moulin Rouge, Wicked, and Six. 

It wasn’t without its stresses and rough moments but I’m grateful for the good that can be found, even when it’s hard.
Let’s journey back to November for the second we Let’s journey back to November for the second weekly dam walk of the month. My dad joined me for this one and we made it somewhat fast because it was a chilly day. ā€œThe water looks cold,ā€ I said when we back to the car.

Between Iceland and the below zero, windy, and snowy weather we had last week (which came with requests from my parents not to go) it’s been a few weeks since I’ve been to the dam and I miss it!
Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Years ago I celebrated Christmas and New Years in Vienna and it still lives in my memory today as such a special time. I know December in Reykjavik will be the same—and not just because I came home with a little over $100 worth of ornaments of all 13 Yule Lads AND their mom AND the Christmas cat. (There was a little bit of miscommunication between my mom and me on that shopping trip. šŸ˜‚)

It might have been cold (and when that wind hits you don’t want to be outside or by the harbour…I speak from windswept, breath-stolen experience and will forever be grateful for the library we eventually found respite in) and we only saw the sun a few hours each day, but seeing this already charming city decked out in Christmas lights with a skating rink and the prettiest tree secured it’s place in my heart.

Reykjavik, I hope to see you again one day. Soon. Probably not in December, but I’m glad I got to see you in December once.
Last year my niece and I visited New York at Chris Last year my niece and I visited New York at Christmastime and it was fun to see the city decked out in lights. I can also now say that I’ve seen the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and skating rink and the Saks Christmas lights, but I’ve also seen the crowds they draw.

It was completely different in Reykjavik this year. You actually had a chance to skate on the ice rink if you wanted (and I never did the conversation, but I think it’s cheaper) and you could actually walk up to the Christmas tree. Two very different Christmas in the city experiences.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle Iceland, Day 2, Part 2. We ended the Golden Circle tour with a stop at Thingvellir National Park. My fingers froze as I took these photos but it was worth it to capture this view. šŸ˜ PS - the last photo is from a lake we stopped at on our way from Geysir to Thingvellir.
Iceland, Day 2, Part 1. We went on a rather unvent Iceland, Day 2, Part 1. We went on a rather unventful Northern Lights tour the night before and slipped in a few hours of sleep before meeting our bus for the Golden Circle tour. Our tour guide was @busdriver_annie and she was amazing! Pictured: Faxi (the small waterfall) Gullfoss (the big waterfall), a wool market where we also saw some animals, and Geysir (the hot springs area). Geysir is actually the most famous geyser in the world but it doesn’t erupt anymore. However, Strokkur erupts every 5 - 10 minutes. I’ll share more photos from the tour soon!
Iceland, Day 1. We landed bright and early at 6:30 Iceland, Day 1. We landed bright and early at 6:30 am, dropped off our bags at the hotel, and went exploring. We saw HallgrĆ­mskirkja, the amazing view from the bell tower, the rainbow street, and walked down Laugavegur. Swipe to the end to see the view from our apartment!
Scenes from November, which were mostly at the dam Scenes from November, which were mostly at the dam apparently.
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