Multitask This Sh*t

Are you busy? I know I am. And I’m guessing if you found your way to me, it probably has something to do with the fact that you’re too busy, too.

If you haven’t tapped into the power of multitasking, I feel like I should ask where you’ve been. This is not a new concept, people.

Okay, yes — I know there’s plenty of scientific evidence saying it’s humanly impossible to truly multitask in the purest sense of the word. But that’s not what this post is about. Studying for an exam while running on the treadmill isn’t what this is about either (though, to be fair, that is a classic example).

This post is about shifting your perception of what you’re doing at any given moment so you can get more bang for your buck.

It’s also about being present — which is hard, even for the most zen among us. And it’s nearly impossible when your life is overpacked with too many responsibilities and too many people to take care of besides yourself. Which is exactly why this matters most for those of us who are uber-busy.

There are things we already do every day that could double as “meditation” time assuming we're not on any devices while doing them. Things such as cooking, cleaning, walking from the car to the store. Anything that takes little to no thinking (like wiping down counters) or requires focused attention (like wrapping a present). It doesn’t even have to take long. It could be as simple as making a cup of coffee.

Let’s all — yes, including me — practice being in the moment more often. Our minds are almost always in overdrive. Giving them even small pockets of space is powerful.

When you’re doing something mindless and start spiraling through your to-do list, replaying that dumb thing you said in yesterday’s meeting, or stressing about a phone call you’ve been avoiding — catch yourself. Redirect. Focus on the clouds. The ocean. Count your breaths. Repeat a mantra. Or just bring your attention back to the task in front of you.

I hear you, caregivers and parents.

“I’m never alone. It’s never quiet. There’s always someone needing me.”

Caregivers and parents may need to get more creative. Think of the moments when your child isn’t barraging you with questions as opportunities for mini meditation bursts. Think of your interactions with your kids as bonding time — as real-time opportunities to shape their little minds. That’s not “just parenting.” That’s meaningful work.

Another shift we could all make (yes, me too) is recognizing the multiple benefits built into the things we already do.

Housecleaning, gardening, washing your car — those can count as exercise or active rest. If you do yoga, that can double as meditation (it’s all zen and stuff). Steady-state cardio? You can zone out (hello, meditation), study, listen to a podcast, or do it with a friend and catch up. That’s multitasking for real.

Anything outside counts as connecting with nature — which is soul-enriching whether you acknowledge it or not. Cooking, baking or wrapping a present count as creativity.

All of this is true whether we’re conscious of it or not. But how much more fulfilling would life feel if we moved through it with intention instead of on autopilot?

All I’m saying is take credit where credit is due. Recognize how much you’re accomplishing within a single task. And try to make the most of whatever you’re doing.

Relaxing and watching TV? Don’t fast-forward through the commercials. Do cardio bursts during every break. Suddenly you’ve got relaxation and a workout in one activity.

Say what?!

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