Life By Design Therapy

  When focus feels hard, it’s easy to slip into self-blame or dive into the next productivity hack... But what if your struggle to concentrate isn’t a sign of failure, but rather your nervous system asking for care? You can invite yourself back to the present moment by gently creating safety within. These words aren’t just affirmations, they’re reminders that your body’s pace, needs, and rhythms matter. Want more support for focus that starts with your nervous system, not just your to-do list? 📖 Head to my blog : 6 Ways to Support Focus & A Balanced Nervous System You can find the link to read in my bio! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/therapy-blog

  Have you ever noticed how quick we are to judge ourselves when we get distracted? That inner voice kicks in: Why can’t I just focus? What’s wrong with me? But what if distraction wasn’t something to fix? What if it was actually something we need to listen to? From a somatic perspective, distraction is often your body’s way of saying, “This is too much.” Maybe there’s unprocessed tension. Maybe you’ve been pushing past your limits. Or maybe your system just doesn’t feel safe enough to stay present. ✨ Distraction can actually be a form of self-protection , a buffer between you and what feels overwhelming. I want you to know that, you don’t have to force yourself back into focus. You can return to the present moment with gentleness instead of pressure. Here’s how that can start: 🔹 Noticing when your focus drifts, without judgment 🔹 Getting curious about what your body might be trying to tell you 🔹 Using grounding or regulating practices to help your system feel safe 🔹 Coming bac...

  I used to think struggling to focus meant I just wasn’t trying hard enough. But what I’ve come to understand, both personally and professionally, is that focus isn’t about forcing yourself to push through. It’s about listening to what your nervous system might be trying to tell you. When your system feels overwhelmed, unsafe, or disconnected, staying present can feel nearly impossible. That’s not failure, it’s a sign you need support, not pressure. Here are 6 somatic ways to gently reconnect and make space for focus again: Let Your Body Give You Feedback - Your body often knows when something’s off before your mind does. Tight shoulders, shallow breath, fidgeting…these are cues. Pause, check in with what you’re feeling physically, and notice without needing to fix. Use Grounding Practices to Come Back - If your mind is drifting or your body feels buzzy, grounding can help. Try pressing your feet into the floor, looking around and naming what you see, or breathing slowly to he...

  As a somatic psychotherapist , I offer my humanness, my empathy, and a commitment to helping you heal and thrive in today's world.   I am dedicated to helping you on your journey towards a life of purpose, a life filled with meaningful connections and inner peace. https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/melody-wright-mft

  I used to think distraction meant I wasn’t trying hard enough, like I just needed more focus or better discipline. But I realized that distraction isn’t always about willpower. Sometimes, it’s your nervous system gently saying, “This is too much.” When we’re in survival mode, whether from chronic stress, burnout, trauma, or just too much on our plates, our focus can slip. Not because we’re lazy, but because our body is trying to protect us from overwhelm. Instead of pushing through, it can help to pause and ask: 🌱 Have I actually rested lately? 🌱 Am I avoiding something that feels hard to face? 🌱 What have I been brushing past or stuffing down? Distraction isn’t a flaw, but rather a message. One that says: you’ve been carrying a lot, and it’s okay to slow down. In my blog, I discuss more about this & ways you can support yourself when you’re feeling the need to distract and disconnect. You can find the link to read in my bio! https://www.lifebydesigntherapy.com/

  I’ve noticed that when I’m having trouble focusing, it’s rarely just about distractions. It’s often a sign that my nervous system is overstimulated, overwhelmed, or simply needs a moment of care. In my work (and in my own life), I’ve found that focus isn’t just a mental skill…it’s a whole-body experience . When we feel safe, regulated, and grounded, focus becomes much more accessible. If you’ve been struggling to stay present or productive lately, these 6 nervous-system-based tools can help bring you back into balance: Use your senses to support focus – Gentle sensory input like warm tea, textured objects, or calming music can help anchor you in the moment. Let your body give you feedback – Tune into sensations like tight shoulders or a racing heart. These cues tell you what your body needs like rest, movement, or just a pause. Use grounding practices to become present – Try orienting to your environment, deep breathing, or pressing your feet into the floor. These small practi...