In the ongoing quest for acceptance and allowing for all emotional experiences, I sometimes must remind myself (and those I work with) that distraction is not a dirty word.

There are times when the wisest and kindest option we have for ourselves is to choose to take a break from intensity.  

The key is to use distraction as simply one more tool in our coping repertoire.  We can run into trouble if we are constantly avoiding unwanted feelings or situations.  There is no way to permanently avoid these experiences and repeatedly denying them frequently leads to unhealthful consequences such as depression, anxiety, anger and fatigue.

However, if we are making regular efforts to allow ourselves to be present for all that is happening in our lives, then distraction can be included as healthy choice.  

There may be situations when our resources are extraordinarily tapped (e.g. when overly tired or stressed at work).  In these cases, it is wise to consider if we have the capacity to sit with difficult emotions or experiences skillfully.  If the answer is no, we can make an intentional choice to choose a distraction to allow ourselves some relief.   

We choose to care for ourselves as we need in the moment.  

As this becomes the habit, we will become more attuned to the patterns in our lives.  We will learn when distraction has the most benefit versus when we are best served by making space to be with the challenges so that we can move past them.