The ability to multitask is highly valued in our American society. Demands in our work lives and home lives compete and keep us running from dawn to bedtime. Instead of concentrating on the task at hand, we find ourselves distracted by emails, phone alerts, and the internet. Do we dare avoid or ignore any of these prompts? If we don’t, we feel constantly fatigued, even exhausted. How long can we keep running before we break down?
Edward Hallowell, M.D., in his book “Crazy Busy: Overstretched, Overbooked, and About to Snap” conveys that the more tasks we attempt to do simultaneously, the less effective we are at doing them well. Our brains, he explains, aren’t able to accomplish many tasks at once. We just aren’t wired that way. It is futile to blame yourself if you feel like you are floundering under the pressure.
What can we do to remain competent and industrious without feeling overwhelmed? Create a list of what needs to be accomplished each day. Then, prioritize tasks in order of importance. Be realistic in what you can do well in one day. It’s very difficult, but you may need to learn how to decline taking on that new project. Remember to take short breaks during the work day. Take time to go outdoors for a few minutes and breathe slowly and deeply. Enjoying sunshine and fresh air can give you a mental lift and renewed sense of well-being.
Perhaps it’s time to commit to a somewhat slower pace. Instead of constantly pushing yourself, and stressing your adrenal glands, take time to feel the stillness of each new morning. Breathe and enjoy being calm. It’s a great way to start the day. Be kinder to yourself. Look forward to the time when the workday ends, and commit to stopping at that time Try to prevent work from crowding out your own personal time by turning off phone alerts and leaving your computer. It’s not easy.
Sleep is so important. If your mind doesn’t relax, and constantly reviews the day’s demands and anticipates tomorrow’s demands, it will be difficult for you to fall asleep. Try writing down a few words about what you need to remember for the next day, and then push everything out of your mind .Rest quietly and enjoy a sense of inner peace and contentment.
It all goes back to balance and equilibrium. Work is important and necessary. Play, hobbies, and enjoying family and friends are also important and necessary. There are only 24 hours in each day and 7-9 of those hours are important and necessary for restorative sleep. Do the math and divide your day accordingly, with focus and purpose, to enjoy life to the fullest. Your health and well-being depend on it.
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.