The advancements in digital technology were intended to simplify our lives, enhance our productivity, and save us time. Ironically, the abundance of digital distractions often leads to a loss of focus and increased procrastination, making us feel more overwhelmed than ever.
Currently, my phone is set to airplane mode, yet I find myself habitually reaching for it every few minutes. Despite knowing that I won’t receive any notifications, the urge is difficult to resist.
I am often unaware of how easily I succumb to distractions until I sit down to work or write. A task that should take 30 minutes can easily morph into an hour when distractions intrude, stealing time that could be spent on work, chores, or even rest.
HOW TO OVERCOME DIGITAL DISTRACTIONS
DO NOT DISTURB
One straightforward approach to combat distractions is activating the do not disturb feature on your phone or, preferably, turning it off completely. When you’re deeply engaged in an important task, even a single email notification or phone call can derail your concentration. Regaining that focus afterward is often a challenge, akin to stepping out of a moment of clarity and landing in a state of distraction.
However, this isn’t a foolproof solution. I often find myself juggling work-related calls at home, making it impractical to turn my phone off completely. Instead, I mute my email alerts, checking my messages just a few times a day unless expecting something urgent. While this may not seem significant, consider the scenario where you’re bombarded by five emails per hour—responding to each one immediately can disrupt your flow and pull you away from your most crucial tasks.
FOREST
I’ve mentioned the Forest app before, and I rely on it consistently. The app helps curb distractions by allowing you to ‘plant’ a tree for a set duration—say 30 minutes. During this time, you must resist the urge to use your phone; otherwise, your tree will wither. The goal is to cultivate a virtual forest, which fosters a sense of accomplishment. It’s a charming approach to resisting the temptation of your device, as no one enjoys watching their tree die.
ABOUT THOSE BROWSER TABS
Take a moment to count how many browser tabs you currently have open. It often feels overwhelming with the sheer volume of information available to us. I frequently find intriguing articles, saving them for later reading, only to end up with a dozen tabs open because I never got around to the first one. It’s a continuous cycle of distraction.
I won’t pretend this is something I’ve mastered. I strive to keep only about five tabs open at a time, closing them all when I’m finished using my laptop. Although managing this can be tough, it is achievable. I also save content I want to revisit in a dedicated bookmarks folder or utilize a browser extension like Pocket.
SET BOUNDARIES
Unfortunately, digital distractions not only interfere with our work but can also strain our relationships. I’ve observed that around 80% of my close friends and family members are often glued to their phones when we’re together. Although we share moments of laughter and conversation, the moment a notification sounds, that connection fades. Suddenly, it feels awkward to be the only one looking up, leading me to reach for my own phone. It creates a frustrating competition for attention, which, as someone who remembers the days of dial-up internet, can be unsettling.
The same applies to checking emails or answering calls while engaged in other activities, even something as simple as exercising or enjoying personal time. Establishing boundaries is crucial, particularly if you find yourself surrounded by people who require constant attention, or if you are the go-to confidant in your peer group. Supporting others is important, but it is equally vital to recognize the boundary between their lives and yours.
We must set clear boundaries. The key is to pinpoint those moments just before a digital distraction occurs. No devices at the table, no phone use before bed, and no answering calls during personal time are essential boundaries to maintain. Once you become aware of the instinct to reach for your phone, create a pause between that impulse and the action itself. Resist the urge and define boundaries not only for others but for yourself.
While digital technology has undoubtedly enriched our lives, creating a world of comfort—hello, shopping from home, binge-watching Netflix, and more—it’s essential to remember what truly matters. It’s not about keeping up with every post on Snapchat or Instagram; it’s about being present and creating authentic memories.
