Distraction is a concept we tend to think of as negative, associated with actions like avoidance and denial.
These distractions are varied.
Others, like watchingNetflixorscrolling through Instagram, are, well, not.
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But in our current climate, whether you want to distract yourself productively or unproductively is somewhat irrelevant.
For many of us, any distraction at all is a very legitimate way to survive.
), and lots ofFrasierhas made every other aspect of my life more breathable and approachable.
So think of this as my letter of recommendation.
Give it a try.
So how can we know when were distracting ourselves in a helpful way or just numbing our emotions?
How fine is that line?
First, Bonior says, notice how you feel after youve allowed yourself to be distracted.
Distraction that gets sort of dysfunctional isnt actually giving us rest.
We feel worse afterward: Our feelings are still there, but were less able to face them.
The guilt of distraction rubs differently during a global pandemic.
How can we help others while also taking care of ourselves?
What privileges can I put back out into the world to make it a slightly better place?
When you want to help the world from the confines of your home, where do you begin?
Its not like theres one very specific thing we are avoiding.
We are avoiding, well, all of it.
First of all, being in the confines of your homeissaving the world.
And if thats all you have the bandwidth to do, great.
And then, whats realistic?
That is just as good.
And remember: Do not confuse distraction with productivity.
I am encouraging you to distract yourself, not to heave yourself into the Next Great American Novel.
(As soon as thatKing Leartweetwent viral, the world went to shit.)
Immerse yourself in everything.
Immerse yourself in nothing.
(Thats a distraction too.)
Peoplenot mereally seem to like that these days.
I have taken to painting my fingernails biweekly, sometimes for an hour at a time.
Your mind might love this.
It might shut off and reboot, which is, ironically, productive.
In fact, I think it might be the very thing we need.
