DISTRACTION DEFINITION: mental preoccupation that makes focusing difficult PHYSICAL SIGNALS: Gazing off at nothing Not answering when a response is requested Doing jobs half-heartedly Being late A slack expression, the mouth slightly agape Forgetting appointments and meetings A general state of disorganization Performing poorly at work or school An inability to complete menial tasks (burning dinner, leaving clothes to mildew in the dryer) Clothes that are buttoned up wrong Arriving at a destination and realizing that something has been forgotten Bumping into people or things Trailing off while speaking Adopting a look of extreme concentration in an effort to pay attention Losing interest in hobbies or pastimes Wearing mismatched or dirty clothes Oversleeping Avoiding social situations Attending social events but not joining in (standing to the side, hanging out by the snacks) Being included in conversations but not participating Clumsiness Forgetting the basics (leaving doors unlocked, losing track of one’s things, forgetting to shave) A seeming preoccupation with oneself A perception of being snobby or standoffish generated by the inability to engage Difficulty falling asleep Asking people to repeat themselves Apologizing or making excuses for one’s inattention Kids or employees getting away with more than normal because of decreased monitoring Losing items INTERNAL SENSATIONS: Hunger pangs from not eating Dry throat from thirst Cramped muscles from a lack of movement or stretching A feeling of restlessness MENTAL RESPONSES: Forgetting to eat A gnawing feeling; wanting the situation to be resolved Losing the thread of conversations Obsessing over the cause of the distraction An inability to focus on the work at hand Avoiding situations where concentration is required Scattered thoughts; the mind jumping from one thing to another Thoughts turning inward to one’s own problems or decisions to be made CUES OF ACUTE OR LONG-TERM DISTRACTION: Decreased intimacy with friends Loved ones voicing concern Repercussions at school or work for poor performance Careless driving (running stop signs, changing lanes without looking) Accidents resulting from inattention (cutting oneself with a knife, burning a finger on a hot plate) WRITER’S TIP:Distraction can be caused by mental or physical fatigue, but more often it is the result of the mind being focused on an unresolved emotional situation. Make sure that the reader always understands the cause of the distraction and the root emotion at play.