Depends on the reason why I am having trouble focusing. I have alot of triggers and different things helps keep me grounded.

For example sometimes seeing a word on line will trigger a memory and the feelings that go with that memory. I could sit here and use all the grounding techniques in the word but that won't fix my reaction to the trigger - the word that I read. But what does fix that trigger and my reaction is changing my activity. I leave that thread and read something less triggering or I leave that thread and log into one of my on line games that I use for developing my focusing skills then I come back to this window where the main page is still up and I click on and read threads that I know won't trigger me.

Other ways I handle some of my triggers is that instead of running away from the trigger I pull out my note book and write about it. I have desensitized myself of alot of triggers just by writing about that trigger over and over again until it no longer bothers me.

Sometimes like when I was in the depression management group I would feel myself start to get that far away feeling. I would change my position so that I could rub one of my fingers on the different textured designs on my sneakers.

Other times when I start feeling that far away like feeling I look for the person that is talking and I pay attention to what they look like, what they are saying, the tone of voice they are using.

In classes and meetings I keep detailed notes to that I have something to do instead of just sitting there listening.

When I am out walking or biking I try to locate one thing that is different along the way from the last time I traveled that path, street. One time I was biking on my way to a depression management class down a street I always take to get there. I started feeling disconnected and far away so I stopped my bike and sat there looking for something that was different than the day before when I traveled that road to the library. Across the road from me was a kiddie swimming pool. no human children but there was a kitten about 5-6 months old playing by crouching down and jumping up over the side and into the water, splashing around at its reflection and then jumping out of the pool just to do it all over again. That in itself kept me focused and watching what was going on around me the rest of the way to class.

Other things I do -

the Nancy J Napeir weekly practices in Conscious living. These activitys help so much.

The courage to heal text and workbook activities and so on. Those books have alot of great ideas for making an emergency list of what to do to help yourself when experiencing a trigger.

keep paying attention to what makes you feel good when you do things and then use those things when you get triggered and you will find that it gets easier to remain aware.