Life is so busy that we can find ourselves stuffing more and more things into a minute. Like we’re efficientizing all of our moments. How else can we get it all done, right?
Thou Shalt Multitask is definitely our culture’s credo.
When I’m doing this it can feel kinda rushy at the start. Like a game of Tetris. Oooohhh how many more things can I squish in? Turn this way… do this in between that thing …. while doing this other thing…..Uh-oh! The pretty little blocks are speeding up! Boom.
Multitasking seems like a good idea. But it actually increases the time it takes to do things because our brains process most tasks serially.
One study showed that it even causes a 10-point IQ drop! Eeek! I don’t know about you but I require every single one of those darn points these days.
The solution here is to engage a bit of mindfulness like this:
One: Notice
All you have to do is notice when you’re trying to do more than one thing at once. Oh hey look, I’m checking my email while getting dressed while talking to my kiddo…huh!
Two: Re-engage
Simply remind yourself what you are focusing on, like this:
- I’m writing this email right now
- I’m making the kids’ lunches right now
- I’m listening to my partner’s story right now
You repeat this process over and over again, each time your mind starts to layer up Tetris pieces.
You build your attention muscles by doing this.
You Get Stronger
You become more focused and efficient. You get a leg up on the multitaskers. You start to look like one of those zenned-out lotus people from the yoga ads.
What about you? Where do you feel the multitasking crunch in your life? How would you like to feel, instead? Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear from you.
Do Less. Live More.
Big love,
Jen
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