Multi-tasking.

We’ve all done it or at least tried to with varying degrees of success. Eating, while watching TV, while reading a book. Writing an email, while answering a call, while surfing the internet. If you’re a parent, you have an even more complicated job. Trying to balance the everyday tasks of managing a household, working, and being responsible for a little human 24/7.

At our best, we are marginally successful at getting most of the things done in a reasonable time-frame. At our worst, we are completely overwhelmed and plotting ways to hide from our lives.

“Sick day” anyone?

Life can have a way of making us feel like we have to run just to keep up. But despite all of this running and multi-tasking we aren’t anymore productive. Instead, we end-up more frazzled, on edge, or just plain frustrated.

So how do we get more done in less time and not become overwhelmed?

The answer to increased productivity and less overwhelm is the exact opposite of multi-tasking. We need to “slow it down” and focus on doing one thing at a time. I also like to call this “single-tasking.”

“Slow it Down” is one of my favorite self-care strategies because it serves a dual purpose. It helps us be more productive while also reducing stress and overwhelming feelings. This strategy is particularly helpful for my soulful introverts who get easily overwhelmed by too much “busy.”

If you are ready to ditch the multi-tasking then follow the steps below to help you get started:

  1. Stop— Whenever you find yourself spinning in circles, but not getting any one thing done, stop!
  2. Breathe— Remember the first strategy I shared in this series? Now is the perfect time to take 3-5 slow, deep belly breaths.
  3. Start with One— What’s one small task (that takes 5 minutes or less) that you can do right now? Do that one thing. Once that task is complete, do one more thing.
  4. Repeat the Process— Repeat step 3 until your tasks are done. If you find yourself shifting back into overwhelm, repeat steps 1 & 2.

We all have important responsibilities that need our time and attention on a regular basis. It’s so easy to get caught-up in what needs doing that we can forget to step back and nurture our own self-care. Taking time to “slow it down” is a wonderful opportunity to check-in with yourself. Notice if you are really getting more done or simply spinning in place.

Remember, taking time for self-care helps you to be your best for others.

Did you find this strategy helpful? If so I would love to hear about it in the comments section below.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Wishing you more peace than your heart can hold.

Creatively,

P.S. Did you find this strategy helpful? If so, I invite you back to the blog, as I’ll be sharing 2 more of my favorite simple self-care strategies over the next couple of weeks. If you missed the first couple of strategies, you can find them all here.