Navigating Distractions: Finding Focus Amidst Coronavirus News

The coronavirus pandemic has brought a wave of uncertainty and anxiety, particularly through the continuous flood of news updates. Many of us find ourselves struggling to focus on our daily activities, including reading and studying. However, there are strategies and practices that can help you regain your focus and maintain productivity during these challenging times.

Staying Informed Without Overloading

One effective strategy is to limit your news intake to a specific time each day. For instance, the BBC, a trusted news source, is a great choice due to its reliable and consistent reporting. I usually check headlines upon waking up and before bedtime. This approach helps ensure you stay informed without overwhelming yourself throughout the day.

It’s important to recognize that visiting the BBC multiple times a day is often unnecessary since the main updates are typically covered in the morning and evening headlines. By setting a routine to check these updates periodically, you can maintain your awareness of the situation without constantly refreshing your browser or checking notifications.

Managing Stress and Creating a New Routine

For some, it’s not just the news that diverts attention but the experience of living through such turbulent times. Finding ways to manage this stress and carve out a new routine can be beneficial. Personally, returning to being a night owl has helped me regain my focus and maintain a consistent schedule.

Stress Management:

Supplement with Magnesium: Consider daily magnesium supplementation to help lower your stress hormone levels. For instance, Solgar magnesium citrate tablets (200mg per tablet) or CALM magnesium citrate powder by Natural Vitality (1 tsp 188mg, 2 tsp 375mg). Start by taking 1 tablet or 1 tsp per day for a week and gradually increase to 2 tablets or 2 tsps per day. Beginner Ashtanga Yoga: Engage in beginner Ashtanga yoga to enhance your physical and mental well-being. Ashtanga yoga is an effective form of power yoga that combines physical exercise, stretching, breathing, and meditation. Find some beginner Ashtanga yoga videos on YouTube to guide you through different sessions.

By combining these practices, you can create a calming routine that helps you stay centered and focused. This approach can be particularly beneficial when trying to read or study, as it helps manage your stress levels and enhances your ability to concentrate.

Creating a Peaceful Mindset

During prolonged periods of stress and uncertainty, it’s natural to find it challenging to focus on tasks such as reading and studying. However, with the right strategies in place, you can regain your focus and maintain productivity.

Try to find something that brings you peace and helps you establish a new normal during this turbulent time. For me, embracing my nighttime routine has been a powerful way to regain my focus. If you’re struggling with news-related distractions, consider implementing a similar strategy or finding an activity that resonates with you.

Conclusion

The coronavirus pandemic has tested our resolve, but with the right strategies, you can navigate through this challenging period and continue your studies or reading. By managing your news intake, incorporating stress-reducing practices like magnesium supplementation and yoga, and creating a new routine, you can regain your focus and find peace in these turbulent times.