[FedUp&Bored]

Does anyone have any suggestions for staying in the present (other than a good swift kick in the seat of my pants)? I am having problems on focusing and staying in the present, and then I start procrastinating and can't get anything done?

[shezbut]

My idea is to give yourself time to enjoy doing an activity for X amount of time every day.

For instance: Work in the morning on tasks. Then, give yourself 30 minutes in the early afternoon to _____. Set a timer, if you need to. When time is up, then get back to your work. After work, give yourself another 30 minutes doing something else enjoyable. Hopefully, you will have a few minutes here and there splattered throughout your days to enjoy as well.

Best wishes to you!

[Perna]

I look at what's "wrong" with the present that I don't want to stay and work on that some. Then I feel like I've done something and don't feel so guilty when I knock off and do other things.

[gayleggg]

I found this article to be very helpful.
Feel Happy and Stress-Free: 7 Simple Tips to Stay in the Now

[Fuzzybear]

[BlueEyedMama]

I have a small smooth stone that my Grandfather gave to me years ago in my purse so that I have it with me when I need to feel grounded. I find a quiet place to sit and hold the rock in my hand as I look around and take the surroundings as my thumb gently rubs the stone. I finish by closing my eyes and meditating about all the nature and critters that I had seen when I was watching and taking everything in. After about 10 minutes of meditation I've at least calmed down enough to call for help if a full blown panic attack is about to it. I have found that this grounding exercise helps calm down my mild to moderate anxiety really well.

[superfly47]

Meditation is always a good help, I'd start with 5 minutes. Don't get worried or frustrated if your mind wonders, it happens to everyone, just re-focus on breathing.

It is nice to do it outside in nature if the weather permits.

[avlady]

i like to sit in my yard when i feel i need to be around nature, i have a big yard and gardens to look at that my husband built-its so relaxing i sometimes stay too late out there but it is better than sitting on the couch inside worrying about my future.

[BlueEyedMama]

Originally Posted by shezbut

My idea is to give yourself time to enjoy doing an activity for X amount of time every day.

For instance: Work in the morning on tasks. Then, give yourself 30 minutes in the early afternoon to _____. Set a timer, if you need to. When time is up, then get back to your work. After work, give yourself another 30 minutes doing something else enjoyable. Hopefully, you will have a few minutes here and there splattered throughout your days to enjoy as well.

Best wishes to you!

These are excellent suggestions that I am going to try on my hard days when it seems like it'd be easier to move a mountain than to get up and get the day started. Luckily these types of days are becoming fewer and farther in between. Like I mentioned in my other post I use meditation as much as I need too to help me on on the tougher days although I meditate everyday to help me fight anxiety and stay in the moment.

[BLUEDOVE]

I was doing this today: when you catch self 'going away', mutter
to self,"I'm watching you". The thoughts will still come,but it
gets easier to dismiss them. This is from A. C. T. therapy (acceptance and commitment therapy ).

[beeutterfly]

I say to myself often that I can't change the past and I can't do anything about the future; all I have is right now. There's a reason why mindfulness practice is called practice. It can be difficult but the more and more you do it, the better you'll feel. And it becomes a habit!