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Limiting and Avoiding Distractions
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Understanding Your ‘Monkey Mind’

Have you ever noticed how your mind can be your biggest distraction? It’s like having a little monkey in your brain, always chattering and jumping from one thought to another. This ‘monkey mind’ might worry about past events (“Why did I say that in the meeting?”) or stress about the future (“My colleague might criticise my work”). Regularly ‘checking in’ and realising when you are in a state of ‘monkey mind’ is the first step to becoming more productive.

But remember, these thoughts are just thoughts. They often come from emotions or experiences, but they’re not who you are. Sometimes, they might be caused by simple things like being hungry or having a bad day.

Here are some tips to manage your monkey mind:

  • Recognise the Chatter: Notice when your mind starts to wander or worry.
  • Understand the Causes: Are you hungry, tired, or stressed about something else?
  • Question the Thoughts: Is what your mind telling you actually true or helpful?
  • Focus on Constructive Thoughts: Try to steer your thoughts towards positive, action-oriented ideas.
  • Over time, learn techniques to quiet the chatter such as taking long, slow breaths and imagining the chatter being clouds moving across a clear blue sky

Want to learn more about the ‘monkey mind’ and how to calm it? Check out our meditation and mindfulness resources.

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