distract myself

USAGE SUMMARY

"distract myself" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to divert one's attention from something, usually in order to avoid negative thoughts or feelings. Example: I couldn't focus on my work, so I decided to distract myself by going for a walk in the park.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I just had to distract myself".

The New Yorker

I know I'm choosing to distract myself.

The New Yorker

I found new ways to distract myself.

The Guardian - Sport

I try to distract myself when I feel unpleasant emotions.

University of California, Berkeley

"I think about cars to try and distract myself.

The Guardian - Sport

Second, I chanted quietly to distract myself from the sensation.

The New Yorker

I had much with which to distract myself.

The Guardian - Books

"I took this on to distract myself," she said wearily.

The New York Times

But since puzzles are my work, I distract myself with table tennis.

The New York Times

So I do whatever I can to distract myself, like eating sushi.

The New York Times

Once on board, I'll log on to Wi-Fi, if it's available, and distract myself.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When facing difficult emotions, use "distract myself" to describe a temporary shift in focus. Combine it with a specific activity, like "I distract myself by reading" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "distract myself" as a long-term coping mechanism. While temporary distraction can be helpful, addressing the root cause of negative feelings is crucial for mental well-being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distract myself" functions as a reflexive verb phrase. Ludwig examples show it used to describe diverting one's own attention, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "distract myself" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe diverting your attention from something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and meaning. As evidenced by the examples, this phrase is most frequently used in News & Media. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to use the phrase intentionally and avoid relying on distraction as a long-term coping strategy. Consider alternatives like "take my mind off it" or "divert my attention" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take my mind off it

Emphasizes the removal of focus from a specific concern.

divert my attention

Focuses on the act of changing where attention is directed.

seek a distraction

Emphasizes the act of looking for something that avert attention.

occupy my mind

Highlights filling the mind with thoughts to avoid something else.

lose myself in

Suggests becoming deeply engrossed in something to forget worries.

disengage from my thoughts

Highlights the act of separating from specific thoughts.

find a diversion

Focuses on the act of discovering a new direction.

escape from reality

Implies seeking refuge from unpleasant circumstances.

give myself a break

Suggests taking a pause for one's mental health.

indulge in a pastime

Highlights engaging in a pleasurable activity.

FAQs

How can I use "distract myself" in a sentence?

You can use "distract myself" to describe diverting your attention from something unpleasant. For example, "I "distract myself" from the pain by listening to music".

What's a good alternative to "distract myself"?

Alternatives include "occupy my mind", "take my mind off it", or "divert my attention", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always healthy to "distract myself"?

While it can be a helpful short-term coping strategy, consistently using ""distract myself"" to avoid problems can be detrimental. It's important to address underlying issues directly.

What are some common ways people "distract myself"?

People commonly ""distract myself"" by engaging in activities such as watching TV, reading, exercising, spending time with friends, or pursuing hobbies.