Take a moment and...
Pause!
We may all get busy during the course of the day. Whether it be home or work, we can get easily lost between to-do lists, action plans and doing so many different things at the same time and in a limited amount of time…In fact, “multi-tasking” may be the reason behind our restlessness, feeling drained or burned out… in the end, we get caught in the trap of depreciating ourselves unintentionally; physically, mentally and emotionally. So, is multi-tasking a threat or enemy to our well-being, productivity and efficiency?
ABC News correspondent Dan Harris points out that we're not wired for multitasking. “People who brag about being able to multitask are liars” says Harris. Because every time you're multitasking, "it's another way of saying you're doing many things poorly." Multitasking is a computer-derived term. Computers have many processors. We have only one processor. We literally neurologically cannot do more than one thing at a time. Harris' comments are supported by a growing amount of research on multitasking that suggests multitasking can actually be less efficient and can also cause stress.
An antidote to multitasking could be as simple as focusing your energy on one thing at a time. One great way to practice that is by trying mindfulness meditation. You can practice the below mindfulness meditation exercise in 6 simple steps whenever or wherever you think is appropriate.
Or, if you ever come close to a sea, river or a pond, taking a moment to just focus on one point on the water may also help restore yourself or clam your mind.
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Basic Mindfulness Meditation
Learn how to pay close attention to the present moment with this meditation exercise.
STEP 1
Find a comfortable place to sit, and a posture that is both alert and relaxed at the same time. See if you can make the spine erect, without being too rigid.
STEP 2
Close your eyes (or leave them slightly open if you prefer), and take a few slow breaths. Take a few moments to loosen your body from your head to your toes, and take a few more deep breaths.
STEP 3
Stop to notice the sensations throughout your body — the warmth, the coolness or any discomfort. Be aware of them, but try not to fidget too much.
STEP 4
Pick one sensation — such as the feeling of your breath going in and out — and devote your attention to it. Just focus on that.
STEP 5
When your mind wanders, bring your attention back to the breath. After a few moments, your mind may wander again. Once again, notice that and simply return your attention back to the present moment.
STEP 6
When you’re ready — after one minute, 10 minutes or 30 minutes — open your eyes. Though your formal meditation practice may have ended, your mindful awareness can continue throughout the day.
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