I’ve railed against multi-tasking for years, oblivious to the fact that despite my passion for the Pomodoro method, I was still multi-tasking. Instagramming dinner. Tweeting while pushing a cart down the aisle at the grocery store (sorry to the lady I almost ran over in produce). These things are just as annoying as that lady who is talking oh so loudly on her phone while in line at the bank, right?
Slowly I've changed that, and here are a few of the ways I've used to take back my time for what matters to me. Being present.
When we give ourselves time to focus on one thing we actually get more done, with less stress. We are more creative and we make deeper connections with those around us. We have more happiness ans with reduced stress comes a calmer mind.
Here are 5 things you can do today to reduce stress, improve communication and productivity, and simply be happier:
- Allocate time for social media, email and phone calls. I check my email 4-5 times a day. Once you get into the rhythm you’ll find your “free” time more focused and calmer.
- Turn off notifications for everything you can. Schedule specific times to check your social media platforms, text and voicemails.
- Leave your phone behind. When you don’t need it, don’t have it with you. Leave it in your briefcase or in a drawer instead of in front of your face. Out of sight, out of mind.
- Allocate time for specific tasks. If you get caught up in watching videos on Youtube or Facebook? Set a timer for when you will stop. It’s easy to get caught up and lose track of time, but if you are interrupted you’ll be aware of it.
- Delete the networks you don’t use. I don’t know about you but I have a slew of apps, games, and social networks clamoring for my attention that I signed up for but never really use. Get rid of them and you get rid of the alerts.
Take even one of the steps above and you’ll realize one day that you are wasting less time and spending more time enjoying life.