Explore Stress Reduction Through Mindfulness
We all face major stressors like financial troubles or relationship issues. But even the smaller, everyday situations can add to our stress. For me, parenting often brings these little stressors. Simple tasks like getting the kids ready or answering their questions might trigger a sharp response from me, especially when I’m multitasking.
I’ve noticed that I’m more prone to stress when I’m trying to juggle multiple tasks. For example, if the kids ask me something while I’m focused on an email, I might snap at them. Or, if I’m worried about a financial issue and the kids need my attention, I react negatively. This kind of behavior with my children only brings more problems.
Of course, there are times when multitasking is necessary. Cooking is a prime example; I need to stir pots, chop ingredients, and watch the time simultaneously. But adding another task, like replying to a text, can significantly raise my stress levels. And if one of the kids asks a question during this chaos, it feels overwhelming!
Our minds are not built for multitasking. When we try to do several things at once, our ability to manage emotions and maintain calmness deteriorates. This leads to feeling frazzled and stressed. Multitasking can activate a “danger” response in our brain, as it perceives the overload as a threat. By reducing our cognitive load, we can stay calm, be kinder, and handle situations more reasonably.
So, I try to avoid multitasking and focus on one thing at a time. That text that comes while I’m cooking? It can wait. Stopping my email to respond to my kids prevents emotional tension. Silencing my phone while working or spending time with the kids helps me stay focused. Concentrating on the present task helps clear my mind and reduce stress.
It’s important to recognize when we’re multitasking, as it often happens unconsciously. We should aim for improvement, not perfection. Sometimes, multitasking is unavoidable, but reducing it where possible can help lower stress. Being present, avoiding adding unnecessary tasks, and switching off notifications can make a significant difference.
In addition to these tips, try taking a few mindful breaths between tasks. Instead of jumping from one activity to another, take a few moments to breathe.
Worried about efficiency? No need! Research shows that multitaskers are up to 40% less efficient than those who work mindfully without multitasking.
Our weekend retreat offers a gentle program with workshops, talks, discussions, and meditations, all in a serene setting at the Aryaloka Buddhist Center in Newmarket, New Hampshire. The retreat is residential, with vegetarian meals provided and shared accommodation. Parts of the retreat will be conducted in silence, with communication kept to essential interactions.
The retreat begins at 6:00 PM on Friday and concludes at 1:00 PM on Sunday. For more information on this stress reduction retreat, click here.
Thank you for sharing your meditation journey. Like you, moving away from the pressure to multitask has become increasingly important to me through my meditation practice. It’s a challenging but rewarding path!