Forget multi-tasking. It’s so yesterday. And it’s also a secret robber of energy.
Unfortunately, we’re in the age of maniacal multitasking. Fuggedaboutit. Multi-tasking is the enemy of mindfulness, and mindfulness is your greatest ally in reclaiming your energy and focus.
It’s time to mono-task.
Mindfulness is one of my favorite subjects (and one of my biggest challenges, along with most people I know). Yet the rewards are immense, not only in terms of your energy but in terms of your relationships and your health.
Mindful eating is the enemy of mindless snacking, and mindful eating is a powerful tool in weight loss. Mindful conversations keep you engaged with your partner instead of scanning the room to see if someone more interesting is about to walk through the door.
When you’re mindful, you’re present. You can bring all your energy to bear on the task at hand, whether it be eating, watching television, having a conversation or even meditating.
Mindfulness equals energy. It’s that simple.
And that difficult. In an era when you don’t feel productive if you’re not doing three things at once, eliminating extraneous distractions and concentrating all your energy on one thing at a time can be difficult. But man, is it worth it. You’ll actually get in touch with your own power and energy in a way you may not have done in a long time.
So how to practice? Simple. When you’re on the phone—don’t read your emails, don’t rifle through files, don’t IM your spouse, don’t surf the net; instead, talk, listen, engage in conversation. In fact, become engaged in whatever it is you are doing, something that’s near impossible when you’re dealing in multiples.
Mono-tasking saves energy (not to mention your sanity). In fact, studies show that multitasking is less productive and more stressful than concentrating on the task at hand.
By doing less, you can actually get more done.
No kidding. Try it.
(from “The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy” by Jonny Bowden, PhD, CNS)
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