dear asking for a friend,
the last few months, i am finding it hard to focus on my work — or anything, actually — for a long period of time. a friend of mine, a high-functioning executive, was just diagnosed with adhd, and it has me thinking that maybe that’s what’s going on with me too.
signed, all over the place
dear all over the place,
first of all, remember that we are living in unprecedented times. the constant stress of the pandemic may be catching up with you, especially if you’ve already got a lot on your plate. trying to juggle multiple personal and work commitments can easily make you feel overwhelmed at the best of times — add in a global virus and it’s no wonder you are having trouble
feeling focused
.
there is
research
that suggests that the brain can handle short bursts of stress really well, but living under constant pressure for an extended period of time can affect the way
you feel and behave
. as the brain diverts some of its capacity towards dealing with the anxiety that stems from the persistent, low-grade threat, staying focused, positive and organized may be challenging.
there are things you can try though, to get you out of the rut.
experts
suggest that adjusting your daily schedule to prioritize sleep, exercise and spending time outdoors can help you feel more relaxed. taking frequent breaks throughout the day, setting smaller, more manageable goals, and avoiding multitasking can ease the pressure you may be feeling subconsciously.