When your mind seems stuck in pinball-machine mode, it’s nearly impossible to force yourself to focus on one task. That’s when you need to gently guide it away from the romper room to a quieter, calmer den. “It’s all about refocusing your attention, calming down your nervous system, and coming back to center so you can move forward in your day,” says Ali Katz, author of One Minute to Zen: Go From Hot Mess to Mindful Mom in One Minute or Less. The “Name Three Things” practice can help. Katz likes to use it when in need of a quick work break or a refocusing moment to ground her when she’s feeling scattered. Before you start, let out some of that kinetic energy by standing up, moving around, perhaps swinging your arms and stretching your body, or by getting a glass of water. Then, come back and try this:
