Concerned that you might have developed a habit of constantly checking the clock?
Do sleepless nights find you wide awake, anxiously tracking the passing minutes and seconds until morning? Saying, "just stop checking the time" seems simple, but ignoring the clock's face often leads to restless thoughts about how long you've slept or what time it is now. This fixation with time doesn't just plague restless nights; it can seep into daytime hours too. The seemingly slow tick-tock of the office clock can make minutes feel like hours, while time seems to speed up when you're enjoying yourself, leaving you feeling rushed, impatient, and sometimes even sleep-deprived. Are you beginning to realise that you're constantly aware of the time? Imagine the freedom of not knowing or caring about it.
Most Britons check their phones more than one hundred times a day on average – it's excessive, but let's be honest, we've all been there: checking the time on our phones, putting it away, only to find ourselves reaching for it again, re-checking because we weren't paying attention. It's time (pardon the pun!) to break this cycle. If you suspect you might be compulsively checking the clock, here's how to stop.
Let's dissect it. The human brain craves closure. When there's missing or incomplete information, it nags at you until you address it. Like not knowing the time – that kind of brain itch... got it? Here's the solution: Take a moment to consider that compulsion. Delve into those feelings. What happens if you ignore it? The answer: nothing significant. To simplify things, remove your wristwatch, take the batteries out of nearby clocks, cover the time on your computer screen with a post-it note, and keep your phone at arm's length, or even farther away.
And if those sleepless nights spent watching the clock leave you feeling utterly exhausted, why not treat yourself to some Doozy caffeine? It's the perfect pick-me-up – a comforting and invigorating cup of coffee to help you push through the day. (It's important to note that if compulsive behaviours begin to impact your life or well-being, seeking professional health advice is highly recommended.)
