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Electronic Obligations
For many people, computers and smartphones are practically extensions of the body, and they’re constantly begging for attention. A flicker on the screen or a ringing alert is enough to pull you from any task at hand, especially if you’ve made it a habit to favor your device.
Although it’s common to feel like you need to read or respond to the message right away, that’s hardly ever the case. In order to take back control over technology, set aside specific times to check email and social media. You don’t have to limit yourself to once a day, just be sure you stick to your schedule so you can work (or think, or complete any other task) when you need to, without interruption.
Busy lives breed lots of distraction, and you’ll need to address different aspects of your lifestyle, obligations and expectations to find out where to make the most changes for more focus. There’s no single solution to concentration problems, but meditation is one route that can improve mental control.
A mindfulness meditation course will teach you how to manage distracting thoughts and direct your focus where you need it, and once you get the hang of the method, you’ll be able to apply it to any situation.
There are medical prescriptions and treatments available to treat anxiety disorders, but like any medication, they all seem to have side effects.
