What Are Positive Distractions?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Positive distraction is defined as, “

an environmental feature that elicits positive feelings and holds attention without taxing or stressing the individual, thereby blocking worrisome thoughts

” (Ulrich, 1991, p. 102). Positive distractions come in many forms, including visual images, music, animals, and digital media.

What are some good distractions?

  • Watch inspiring movies, shows, or videos.
  • Meditate.
  • Exercise.
  • Walk-in nature.
  • Listen to podcasts.
  • Sing.
  • Laugh.
  • Play with children.

Are there good distractions?

Distractions aren’t always bad; sometimes they are useful tools.

Personal technology

distractions like video games and puzzles can give us strength to endure negative experiences. … Personal technology is a healthy distraction for most people, but it can go bad when it becomes an escape from an uncomfortable reality.

What is a healthy distraction?

When faced with a craving to use drugs or alcohol, healthy distraction

allows you to direct your attention to some other activity

, preferably one that requires your full attention (and that isn’t destructive or compulsive like drug abuse).

Are distractions a bad thing?


Distractions aren’t always bad

; sometimes they are useful tools. Personal technology distractions like video games and puzzles can give us strength to endure negative experiences. Some distractions can strengthen our ability to tackle new challenges.

What is the biggest distraction?

  • Mobile phone/texting: 55%
  • The Internet: 41%
  • Gossip: 39%
  • Social media: 37%
  • Co-workers dropping by: 27%
  • Smoke breaks or snack breaks: 27%
  • Email: 26%
  • Meetings: 24%

What are the three types of distractions?

  • Visual: taking your eyes off the road.
  • Manual: taking your hands off the wheel.
  • Cognitive: taking your mind off driving.

What are some distractions in life?

  • Social media. Social is, by far, the biggest distraction of all for the majority of people. …
  • Smartphone. …
  • Media. …
  • People.

What is a mental distraction?

Mental distractions are

when an individual is thinking about a past event or daydreaming and not paying attention

. There are many driving distractions, mental and physical, including the following: Unwrapping sandwiches or eating other food items.

Why are distractions harmful?

If you switch back and forth between tasks often enough, you could

feel disoriented

, or even exhausted. In addition, your brain will produce more cortisol, a stress hormone that often leads to irritability, aggression and impulsive behavior.

How do distractions affect us?

And all these distractions not only hurt productivity, they have negative emotional effects. “Our research has shown that attention distraction

can lead to higher stress, a bad mood and lower productivity

,” Mark wrote in the New York Times, an idea based on a comprehensive study of email use, productivity, and stress.

Do we need distractions?


Distractions can be health and a positive tool

. For example, distractions can provide an escape and a much needed break from our routines, our work, our stress and our anxiety. Psychologist have written about how people use distractions to ease pain, help them cope and take attention away from a bad habit.

What is the major cause of our distraction?

People who

use their cell phones to talk or text while driving

are by far the most common reason for distracted driving accidents. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that 26% of all car crashes involve cell phones.

How can I stop distractions?

  1. Have a Plan the Night Before. Consider writing down two things that must get completed in order for that day to be productive. …
  2. Turn Off the Distractions. …
  3. Get Comfortable. …
  4. Practice Meditation. …
  5. Set Smaller Goals. …
  6. Sleep. …
  7. Use Visual Reminders. …
  8. Give a Reward.

How can I stop unwanted thoughts while studying?

  1. Finding an absorbed mindset. Whenever you find you are losing your focus, stop and speak yourself to be in the present. …
  2. Take a Break. …
  3. Go off the Grid. …
  4. Work with your energy levels. …
  5. Gove your brain ‘free-mode’
David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.