DIY: 3 Steps to Find Focus

Getting back into a groove takes time - and focus. Our social emotional learning coaches provide three steps and real-life examples to help you feel settled.

Being able to remain in control and focused when life gets shaken up is a critical skill that not only helps you stay calm but can also have a positive influence on those around you. We use a technique called the 3Es - using our eyes, ears, and energy to remain focused on the task at hand - to help us stay focused and calm.

Steps for Using the 3Es:

• Eyes: Keep your eyes on the task/person you are dealing with.
• Ears: Block out all extra noise and don’t listen to those around you. If you are talking to someone, you should only hear what they are saying, block everything else out.
• Energy: Put all your energy into the task/person you are dealing with. Don’t work on anything else or try to do two things at once.

When you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or out of control, take a minute to reevaluate by using your 3Es.

Applying the 3Es to Real-Life Situations:

• Juggling family’s schedule: Find a quiet place with no distractions and create a large family calendar to include all schedules of each family member
• Kids filling you in on their day: Give them your 3Es and make sure you are truly listening to what they are trying to share with you, don’t let your energy go towards other things you want to accomplish by multitasking
• Grocery shopping: Put all of your energy into your shopping list and don’t let your eyes wander to those different items that you don’t need
  
  

Want more? Visit Resources for Parents.