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Even in normal times, our minds wander. Research finds we’re thinking about something other than what’s right in front of us 

. Now, the COVID-19 pandemic has created whole new levels of stress and dramatic shifts in our routines. New concerns pull our attention in a hundred directions and make it even harder to stay focused. 

Some drifting thoughts can lead to creative ideas

 and make us happier. But circling back to regrets and worries leave us feeling rotten and all of us have times when we need to keep our mind on what we’re doing. 

MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two cognitive psychologists about mind wandering and how to reclaim our focus when we need it. 

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Are you easily distracted? Having a hard time concentrating on work or other tasks? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two psychology researchers about the science of distraction, why the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors steal our attention and how we can reclaim our focus. 

MPR News with Angela Davis - Are you easily distracted? Having a hard time concentrating on work or other tasks? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two psychology researchers about the science of distraction, why stress steals our attention and how we can reclaim our focus. 

Finding focus in a scattered time

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