Multi-Tasking... am I getting anywhere?

I’m continually multi-tasking....

I’ve forever considered it one of my ‘Super Powers’, but it turns out, multi-tasking leaves me unproductive, scattered and out of control.

Just because I AM ABLE to multi-task, doesn’t mean that I NEED TO.

Think about it- what happens when we try and multitask? In my world, I start a project, jump over to clean out a basket, then remember to take dinner out, realize that the sink is full of dishes and begin to tackle that, then see that the washer needs started, so I start to throw a load in, only realizing that I have to run get clothes from the basket that I originally started cleaning out.

Now, all this takes about 15 minus of my day- but really, how much did I get done and accomplished? Not much. The project I started is still just in the beginning phases, the laundry basket is still being cleaned out, dinner has not been started, only 1/2 of the dishes got done, and the dryer full of clean wet clothes never got turned on….

So much for multi-tasking!

Studies show that if we can re-train our multi-wired brains to FOCUS on the important task in front of us- we can become much more productive in our day to day lives. Did you know that 47% of the population spend their waking hours thinking about something other than what they are currently doing? Why does this matter? Because our brains are exhausted and drained from the multi-tasking!

Lately, I've been intentionally working to slow down and do one task at a time. It has taken a lot of work and focus, but it has been a game changer. I have been able to knock out my “to do” list and still have ‘Extra Time’ for the things I really want to do! Talk about empowering!

So- what is single tasking, and how can you incorporate it into your life?

Its just like it sounds. Its laying down the need to be ‘busy’ all the time and focusing in on a single task or activity that needs taken care of. Its getting rid of the distractions and all the tasks trying to pull you away from the task at hand. When you are ’single tasking’, you no longer frantically switch between all the items on your to do list or be tempted to juggle several things at the same time. You simply need to focus one task- and then tackle it.

Single tasking is also healthier for our brains! (Yes, please!) Studies have shown that our brains are much happier when we can focus on single tasks, and not take in all the stress from multi-tasking. Experts even argue that we are way more efficient when single tasking, rather than doing all the things at once.

But at the end of the day- I am a mom. I don’t think I can completely avoid multi-tasking because, well- I’ve got 5 kids… But practicing single-tasking, when I am able, has helped me see more productivity, more focus and less stress in my daily life. Even if its just for a few minutes, single-tasking has been the game changer I needed.

So, what can you do to try single-tasking today?

Here are a few ideas:

*When working on your computer ~ Only work from one tab on your.

~ Put your phone in another room

~close out all your email and social media tabs

*Start small

~give yourself 5 minutes of distraction free time to focus on a task

~When that feels easy, follow the ‘Pomodoro technique’ and work for 25 minutes, followed by 5 minutes of break.

*Take a meaningful break between your single-task sessions

~single-tasking takes effort and energy, and you need to take periodic breaks to replenish your focus and concentration

~Go outside

~Get away from your screens

~take a walk

At the end of the day- Do one thing at a time and do it well.

If you find yourself with a lack of joy, happiness, productivity and stress- you may want to take a look at all the multi-tasking in your life, and work more single-tasking focused work.

And while single-tasking isn’t a solution to all your problems- its a fantastic place to focus and get started.

Tell me- what are some ways that you can incorporate single-tasking into your busy life?

I'd love to know- shout out in the comments!

~BE BLESSED~

XOXO~ Natosha Mae

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