How to Benefit from Distractions

You can benefit from distractions when life gets overwhelming and you just need a break. If you use distractions for a short time, they can help you become more productive. But what happens if you use them too often and without time restraints? Read on to learn about how to benefit from distractions by using them wisely and effectively.

A Benefit of Distractions Is Better Coping with Depression and Anxiety

If you struggle with anxiety and/or depression, you know how hard it can be to live in your head. Thoughts and emotions can be crippling and prevent you from accomplishing daily activities. One benefit of distractions is that they help you block out negativity for a little while so that you can complete necessary tasks with a healthy mindset.

Some distractions include watching Netflix, listening to music or making music playlists, shopping, working out, hanging out with friends, and enjoying creative hobbies. When you are anxious or depressed, it can be hard to engage in enjoyable activities. But when you do start using a distraction to benefit you, you might find you can enjoy life and have fun, even when you're depressed or anxious.

When Distractions Will Not Benefit You

When You Don't Take Time to Make Healthy Life Changes

When I was a teenager, I absolutely loved Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). After I finished my homework, I played the game for several hours. I tried to beat the high score and master harder levels at faster speeds. Every time I advanced to a new song, I felt a little better about myself. Dance Dance Revolution helped me stop thinking about my low self-esteem and what made me sad during the day.

Looking back, I realize that DDR served more as a distraction from making healthy changes in my life. For instance, since I often used this distraction as isolation from other people, it was preventing me from developing and enhancing friendships. Also, it took away time that could have been better spent on other hobbies that made me feel good such as writing. Although DDR was a beneficial distraction from my thoughts, the amount of time that I spent playing it ultimately did more harm than good.

When You Use Distractions at the Wrong Time

I started writing this blog at midnight when I should have been asleep. While part of it was because I feel more motivated at night, a big part was because I did not stay productive enough to cope with anxiety during the day. Because my mind was racing at night, writing seemed like the best way to deal with it. However, this became a distraction from sleep.

How to Make Distractions Benefit You

To avoid the negative outcomes and actually benefit from distractions, here are three things to consider before using them:

1. Do you really need to distract yourself right now?
2. What do you think is a positive distraction?
3. What is a reasonable amount of time to use this distraction?

Remember that distractions can help you become more productive if you use them wisely. If you have any thoughts about how to use distractions effectively, please share them in the comments.