Is Distraction Harming Your Health?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Believe it or not, it's completely normal to feel distracted. We all get distracted from time to time. We all feel like we absolutely can't focus no matter what we do. We zone out at work and get lost in daydreams. For the most part, these distracted moments don't really hurt anything. They pass and we get on with our lives. But sometimes, distraction causes a bigger problem. In fact, it can even put our health in danger! If you find yourself distracted often, take a look at these ways it may be harming your health, plus some tips for finding your focus.
Distraction From Sleep
This is a rampant problem. Most people don't get enough sleep, and so often it is caused by our own distracted minds. Maybe you're distracted by the TV. Maybe it's your phone and favorite social media outlet. Maybe it's your mind racing with thoughts of the day. If this is happening to you, it's crucial to eliminate the distractions. Turn off the TV, put your phone on the bedside table, and do something to lower stress before bed. The more distractions you eliminate from your bedtime routine, the better sleep you'll get, and the better health you'll have long-term.
Distraction From Goals
Do you have health goals? Most people do. It might be to lose weight, improve stamina, or perform a specific exercise. But we often get distracted from these goals. We get distracted by the smell of delicious food or by the opportunity to do something in place of the gym. If you're distracted from your goals, you have to do two things. First, make your goals specific. The more specific your goals, the easier it is to stick with it. And then you have to practice some patience. Goals aren't met in one day. Stick with the plan, and the results will come.
Distraction From Work-Life Balance
This is so incredibly common. It's really easy to be distracted from keeping a good work-life balance. Usually, we're distracted by extra work or by the promise of promotions or by more money. While it can be good to move forward at work, it's not OK to do so at the expense of your health. Make sure you're leaving work at work. Take breaks often, get the job done, and then leave it at the office when you go home. It takes practice, but keeping a good work-life balance is crucial for long-term health and happiness.
Distractions happen to everyone. It's normal. But that doesn't mean that we should just accept it and suffer. To eliminate distractions, use these tips. As your distractions disappear, you may notice better health in your life from here on out.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Toledo, Ohio.