I find myself getting easily distracted every day of my life, so most of the time, I don't get anything done. It turns into an unproductive day where I just lay in bed, and binge-watch Netflix while binge-eating. So not productive. I tend to overthink, especially about my future. I think about everything: what I'll do tomorrow, what my future career could look like, where my apartment will be, and how it will be decorated. I think about everything. It's unhealthy because I can't and shouldn't live my life through my constant thinking. I need to be more present. I need to be more focused. But most of what the internet says doesn't work for me so what do I do?
Let's be honest…I don't mean to be negative, but I can be lazy, unmotivated, and unproductive, and I flat-out waste my time on invaluable people or hobbies. I have terrible habits and tendencies and I want it all to stop. I have trouble finding what works for me: new routines? no, new habits? absolutely not. So, what does work for me? I'm still trying to figure it out as a 23-year-old post-grad student. All I know is this: I feel lost every day. I feel like I have no purpose, which might be the reason why I'm extremely unproductive with my days. Even when I feel like I'm trying my best, I feel as if I'm not trying my best.
Sometimes, overthinking and anxiety lead to unproductivity and negative thoughts. I feel like I'm in control, but not in control…almost as if my mind doesn't want to be productive, but my heart does. I always end up listening to my mind. However, I am constantly distracted by my worries about the future when instead, I should be focusing on the present. The present is truly a gift. Something that I recently learned is that when you're constantly thinking about the past, you are forgetting to live in the present. Don't forget to live in the present.
I do want to fix this, though and I hope I'm not the only one struggling. Here are a few tips and tricks on how to stay present that work for me.
1. Take a Break from Technology & Social Media
When you're constantly on your phone, either on Tiktok or Instagram (or any other platform), you become absorbed into the lives of other people. This can cause comparison, negative thoughts, and anxiety, especially if you are spending too much time online. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take a break from time to time and focus on the present moment…focus on doing something else and fully immersing yourself in it. Not only will your mind be refreshed, but your productivity will increase.
2. Practice Daily Gratitude
I recently started to practice daily gratitude and I've already started to feel more inspired to take action on the day ahead. When you reflect on what you're thankful for on where you are in life right now, you feel more positive and content. You will also feel more present. If you are looking for a gratitude journal, I highly recommend the 5 Minute Journal by Intelligent Change (not sponsored or an ad, just a recommendation). I personally love using this journal and it's already been helping me be more mindful of my present life.
3. Practice Mindful Acceptance
As hard as it is, sometimes things just don't go according to plan. Learn to recognize that some things are out of your control and be okay with it. I am personally still working on this because I recently realized that I actually prefer to be in control. Additionally, learn to accept your present as it is without judgment or resistance because it will be easier for you to be at peace with where you are in your life.
4. Engage in Hobbies that you LOVE
When you do something you love and you fully immerse yourself in it, you become more present and mindful. Pursuing something you love is so important because it is one of the biggest keys to happiness in life. When people say to do more of what you love, do it and do it with everything you got because life is too short not to. Additionally, instead of doing what you have to do, you can choose to do what you love to do because it will better help increase your productivity. So, if you ever feel lazy or unmotivated, just do something you love.
It's not easy to stop thinking about the future, but doing some of the things I mentioned above can help keep your mind off of it. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to stay in the present, just remember to always do what works for you. All in all, remember that you deserve to take a break from your mind and remember to do it as often as you need. Don't be afraid of taking some of the control back from your mind.
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