Is Multi-tasking a myth?

We are all told we should be more, do more, but does that really achieve what it sets out to do?

Modern life has very much become everything, everywhere all at once, and so it is hard for us not to think about the next thing on our to-do list.

But something beautiful happens when we pause.

When we get out of our thoughts and take in our surroundings it helps us to release stress. We are often so focused on the past or the future, neither of which are in our control, but we forget to be present. Being present is being mindful. Mindfulness is a skill that involves focusing attention on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or thinking about the future. Mindfulness can help to reduce stress levels and improve mental health conditions, including anxiety, and depression. By cultivating present-moment awareness, we can develop a better understanding of our thoughts and emotions, and in turn develop more balance and adaptive ways to respond rather than react.

Attempting to engage in multiple complex tasks at once can lead to reduced efficiency, decreased productivity, and an increased likelihood of errors. A common example is when we have lots on our mind as we are leaving the house, but we can’t remember if we turned the stove off, or closed all the windows, so we go back and check!

When we focus our attention on one thing, we become more present and connected. The brain needs time and focused attention to perform at its best, and attempting to divide attention between multiple demanding tasks can result in reduced performance, increased stress, and decreased overall efficiency.

What can I do?

We list out 5 tips that you can use to help becoming more present.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a great tool to help us be present. It helps us to recognise when our thoughts have gotten away from us. Our thoughts have rabbit holes. Similar to the YouTube hole we can all end up in one evening, suddenly it’s 3 hours later in the middle of the night. Mindfulness helps to become aware of our thoughts and thought processes. We can then gently anchor them back to the present moment.

Intentional blinking

I know it sounds crazy, but have you ever taken a mental picture of what’s in-front of you. A visual memory that stays in your mind as vividly as the day that memory was made. Next time you get your phone out to capture a moment, remember to capture it in your mind too and feel its presence. Open your eyes wide for 3 seconds, take in your surrounding and then blink. Take that mental picture. Capture the feeling.

Deep breathing exercises

When your exhale is longer than your inhale this starts to relax our mind. This simple breathing technique can bring calm and mental clarity. The best way to do this is by counting- inhale to a count of four and exhale to a count of six. As you gradually feel more calm you can extend those counts to slow it down further. But even the simple act of counting as you breathe, will bring your attention to the present moment.

Soak up the moment

We're often most present when we are on holiday. Perhaps the knowledge we won’t be in this place for long so we make the most of it and enjoy each moment. We enjoy the walk, the view or the activity by submerging ourselves into it. Life is pretty much the same in all of its moments. Soak up all the atmosphere because change is the only constant. Whether it is watching a movie or taking a walk, focus intentionally on that activity.

Test your 5 for 5

The ‘5 senses’ technique is a coping tool for stressful situations. It helps to ease anxiety by encouraging you to focus on the present moment. Think about 5 things you can see right now, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear right now, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste right now. This, right in front of you is the truth. This present moment. Everything else is a thought.