MONOTASKING

Multitasking is a way of life for many of us.  Managing lots of things at once has become normal.  But the brain can only take in so much information and by overloading it, you're essentially 'jamming' your attention filter.

Slowing down and giving something your full attention is said to be the key to happiness, yet many of us still spend our lives rushing around, and even wearing the 'busy-ness' as a badge of honour.

Monotasking brings with it a whole host of benefits, including increased life satisfaction, lower blood pressure and even more creativity.  Monotasking is where tasks for the day are trimmed down and focus on one at a time (Martina Sheehen, Mindfulness expert and co-author of 'Do Less Be More')

BENEFITS OF MONOTASKING

greatest potential and creativity is unleashed

brain whirrs into action and reveals its flamboyant side

able to think on a deeper level

able to creating and finding solutions

making things much easier

more productive in long run

THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR BRAIN

Although monotasking is ultimately better for you, your brain quite likes to be busy for these reasons

1. a reward centre is triggered each time you tick something off your list
2. being busy and completing something makes you feel good
3. your brain will be used to staying busy to the point where it feels uncomfortable not to be busy
4. it sends a 'threat' response when you leave something unfinished, so you want to get it done

4 STEPS TO MONOTASKING

1. THE WORKING HOURS DIET

Research in Sweden has shown that when people cut back to a 6 hour working day, they're more productive, healthier and happier.

2. STAYING FOCUSED

Need to be prepared or you're likely to be distracted.

3. TO DO OR NOT TO DO

Write down the tasks you're not going to be devastated by.  It helps you focus on the things that matter.

4. CRUISE IN THE SLOW LANE

Adopt a more mindful mindset to concentrate on what you're doing.

SHARED FROM:

ONE THING AT A TIME