The opposite of a "returning mind" can be labelled as a "distracted mind". When a person has a returning mind, they are focused and present in the moment, aware of their surroundings and can concentrate on a particular task with ease. However, a distracted mind tends to wander, becoming easily sidetracked by external stimuli or inner thoughts, making it difficult to focus on the task at hand. Instead of returning to the present moment, a distracted mind is constantly moving towards something else, unable to settle, and resulting in reduced productivity, lack of creativity, and heightened stress levels. To avoid a distracted mind, it is essential to develop habits such as meditation, mindfulness or regular exercise.