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  • With Mayo Clinic oncologist

    Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

    read biography
Please read: Important 2013 cancer research update from Dr. Michael Camilleri

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  • Stress blog

  • Sept. 26, 2012

    Dispatch distractions by living in the moment

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

8 comments posted

It is obvious from the blog comments that stress is a major distraction. We live in an age of distractions — and interruptions — fueled by technology. There's no place to unwind. There's no place to hide.

Need more help?

If the stress in your life is more than you can cope with, get help right away.

  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
    1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Go to the nearest hospital or emergency room
  • Call your physician, health provider or clergy
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
    www.nami.org
    1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

An established technique for tuning out distractions is mindfulness. A description I like of mindfulness is that it's total engagement, total absorption in the moment, not looking back or ahead, but being focused and aware of your breathing, your body and your environment just for a few minutes.

It's challenging not looking down the road or around the next curve. Or is it? After all, the past is gone. The future may never arrive. All you have is the present moment. It's up to you how to use it. Choose wisely.

Follow me on Twitter at @EdwardCreagan. Join the discussion at #Stress.

8 comments posted

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MY02240 Sept. 26, 2012

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