I’ve had a serious problem with my ability to focus lately. Well, let’s face it, it hasn’t been just lately. I’d say for the past 5 years or so my focus has been off, but it has really been magnified recently.
I have had the hardest time focusing long enough to sit down and check / respond to emails, write blog posts, schedule social media for the blog, be organized with banking, invoicing, and other tasks.
In addition, this week I locked my keys in the car twice, left my purse in the lunchroom at the grade school, forgot to take my daughter to volleyball practice, and left the stove burner on for an hour while I took a meal to a neighbor with cancer.
Needless to say, this lack of ability to focus is really interfering with my life. It has been so frustrating to me, as a normally organized, somewhat together person, to feel like I’m losing my mind. I’ve tried essential oils, fish oil, meditation, cognitive exercises and more. I’ve gotten advice from friends in the know and now need to focus long enough to implement some of that advice. (I’m scheduling an appointment with a recommended physician tomorrow.)
Because one of my challenges has been focusing long enough to write a blog post – which is a pretty important issue considering this is my job – I decided what better way to combat that issue than to accept the NaBloPoMo challenge. NaBlogPoMo is “National Blog Post Month” to write one blog post every day throughout the month of November. Crazy, right? I need to work as hard on exercising this part of my brain as I do my body because if I don’t I have a feeling I’m going to fall so deeply behind I won’t be able to get out of it.
So bear with me, join me, and commiserate with me on the joys of getting older and losing our minds. If you’ve had similar “lack of focus” experiences and have tips or advice, I’d absolutely love to hear from you!
Also, just to be clear…I’m still keeping with my Slow Blogging Movement manifesto. These blog posts won’t be your typical Dine & Dish posts, but posts to challenge me to simply, write. It’s what I’ve got to do.
I thought it was just me. I also have a lot less focus than I used to. I think it is a combination of online life and aging. I also feel my short term memory is getting worse. Scary stuff. I have no tips for you – I could use some tips myself.
Hopefully we can both figure it out and find a solution!
Good luck! I would love to read your “free writing”…
You are so sweet for reading. Thank you!
*Claps hands together* Yay more D&D! I always love November because everyone fuels their creativity so much right before the holidays. I don’t have the fortitude to participate this year, but I’ll be tuning in for sure!!
Thank you so much, friend!
I’m right there with you on the brain fog. I was reading an article this morning and had to go back over a couple of paragraphs because I realized my mind had wandered off several times. And the article wasn’t boring. It was me. This posting every day isn’t going to be easy but I hope we all make it through! 🙂
I love your honesty. I am in the same boat regarding focus. I even asked my doctor if he thinks I am ADHD. I don’t like to taste of coffee so I avoid it but when I feel indulgent I head to Starbucks for a ” Pink Drink” made with tea and coconut milk. Somehow it helps me focus. I am not sure if it is the caffeine or just the pampering!