I considered it a wake-up call when I came across the New York Times article by Oliver Burkeman, “Stop Multitasking. No, Really-Just Stop It.” Somewhere during my years of raising my three children, I came to believe that my days would be richer and more streamlined if I could conquer numerous tasks at once, all the while wondering why I felt scattered and depleted. Burkeman describes it as being “afflicted by the ambient anxiety that seems to be an intrinsic part of life in the 2020s.” He prescribes a novel antidote for restoring one’s sanity: be present and focus on one activity at a time.
While this prescription seems ridiculously easy, it is unnervingly challenging for multitasking enthusiasts. Why not listen to a podcast while doing laundry or folding clothes? Why not cram in a book on tape while walking the dog? Why not cook dinner while talking on the phone? Why not eat lunch while checking email? Simply put, multitasking causes stress by increasing the secretion of cortisol and adrenalin. If this increase in cortisol is chronic, it has the potential to damage the brain as it ages, and for women, it displaces the delicate balance of female hormones estrogen and progesterone.
I decided to experiment on myself by attempting one activity before embarking on another. While a week seemed daunting, I was agreeable to one day of singular devotion. It should not be surprising that I could have done better at curbing my multitasking ways. Still, I found my experiment successful, gaining a sense of being centered, grounded, and peaceful. Experts agree that multitasking behaviors increase symptoms of anxiety and ADHD, but consecutively completing tasks counters mental static. Burkeman remarks,” To live sequentially is possibly one of the most crucial skills for thriving in the uncertain, crisis-prone future we all face.” Thus, my new goal in ‘24 is not to do less daily but to do less all at once.
Are you feeling anxious and worn down with the pressures and deadlines of a new year? I invite you to experiment with living life sequentially.
Challenge yourself to complete one task before starting another.
Notice when you are switching between tasks. Experts call this context switching. Take note of the chart detailing the time wasted with each additional task added. Silence your phone and laptop notifications to keep yourself focused.
Attempt to eat one meal a day without your laptop, TV, or other distractions. Savor your food. You may notice your anxiety release and digestion improve.
Practice mindfulness as you participate in household tasks such as dishes, laundry, cooking, etc. Being present in the moment rather than rushing to the next item on your to-do list will allow your mind to reflect and process the events of the day, moving you into a state of rest and digest and out of a state of hyperarousal.
When tempted to be superhuman, remember that multitasking is a myth; it wastes your precious time and depletes your energy and brain reserves. Realizing your brain’s limitations can birth your new superpower: being present in the moment. If you would like help on your journey to well-being, please get in touch with us at Scout Counseling. To learn more about Scout or to schedule a consultation phone call, please reach out at guide@scoutcounseling.com or call 423-641-8308.