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A guide to figuring out if mentally checking out is normal or a red flag
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If you’re drifting off, staring out into empty space, or zoning out when you want to be focused and present, you’re mentally checking out. This is a common thing for most folks every now and then, but if you’re checking out so often that it’s interfering with your work, relationship, or life, it’s a major sign that something is going on. Perhaps your body is trying to tell you that it’s time for a change, or maybe you just need to reconnect with your passion. In any case, we’re here to help you explore what’s going on so that you can make the changes you need to make to get back to your happiest and most productive self.
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Tips
- Never write off your willpower. It’s easy to say, “I can’t stop checking out,” but you can totally just fake it until you make it. Your brain’s ability to focus is a lot like a muscle—if you keep working it out, things will probably improve. [22] X Trustworthy Source American Psychological Association Leading scientific and professional organization of licensed psychologists Go to sourceThanks
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Warnings
- Don’t avoid getting professional help if you find yourself becoming increasingly more checked out. There are a lot of underlying medical or mental health conditions that can cause a sudden dramatic decline in attention. [23] X Research sourceThanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7075496/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/boost-your-brain-with-boredom
- ↑ https://www.grouporttherapy.com/blog/mentally-checked-out?ref=themilsource.com
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/04/you-checked-out-at-work-heres-how-to-check-back-in
- ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/diagnosis/index.html
- ↑ https://www.gottman.com/blog/3-steps-reconnect-feel-disconnected-partner/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8981644/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mental-health-nerd/201911/anchoring-yourself-in-reality
- ↑ https://www.nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/February-2022/Boredom-as-a-Symptom
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7075496/
- ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34085564/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7075496/
- ↑ https://news.columbia.edu/news/why-being-bored-can-be-hazardous-your-health
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
- ↑ https://positivepsychology.com/introspection-self-reflection/
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356
- ↑ https://storage.trailstowellness.org/trails-2/resources/ice-cube-exercise.pdf
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/04/you-checked-out-at-work-heres-how-to-check-back-in
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/24/smarter-living/reconnecting-with-people.html
- ↑ https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/caring-for-your-mental-health
- ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/signs-its-time-to-see-a-therapist
- ↑ https://www.apa.org/topics/personality/willpower
- ↑ https://mstrust.org.uk/information-support/health-wellbeing/thinking-and-memory-problems
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