Just Stop Already

Stop trying to do everything at once.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels.

Dear travelers,

This week I have been trying to do everything at once. Do you do that too?

I was looking through my cupboards for a snack with my cell phone in my hand (why?). As I waited for something to load on my work computer, I jumped on LinkedIn. On my 10 minute break, I switched between 3 different Slack groups. It’s kind of insane. It just can’t be efficient. I’m paying the price for switch cost…but I fear something bigger…I’m getting used to it. I’m getting good at it.

I need to stop.

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Switch Cost

Doing more than one task at a time, especially more than one complex task, takes a toll on productivity.

Although switch costs may be relatively small, sometimes just a few tenths of a second per switch, they can add up to large amounts when people switch repeatedly back and forth between tasks. Thus, multitasking may seem efficient on the surface but may actually take more time in the end and involve more error. Meyer has said that even brief mental blocks created by shifting between tasks can cost as much as 40 percent of someone's productive time. - American Psychological Association

Are you exhausted at the end of this day? This could be why. Observe all that you do throughout the day. We are on cell phones and computers a lot. It adds up. I feel the need to almost always be doing two things at once now. It’s just too much.

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Sometimes I look forward to my drive to work because I only have to do one thing - drive. On certain days, even listening to a podcast can be overwhelming. I need to turn it off and drive in silence. I need to give my brain a break.

If you do this too, it’s okay. Show yourself grace. Put your phone on do not disturb. Read an actual, physical book. Take a walk outside. Sit on the floor and play with your dog. These things help me.

This weekend, give your mind a rest. Give it a little vacation and let it rest in a quiet environment. Nature is the best medicine - it helps me reset my brain every time I take advantage of it.

Whatever you are up to, I hope it brings you happiness. Until next time…

Peace,

Kit