WISDOM OF THE WEEK - ‘Multi-tasking’ or ‘mono-tasking’?

In today’s fast-paced world, multi-tasking is often considered a sign of efficiency. People who can handle several things at once are seen as capable, productive, and in demand. On the other hand, someone who prefers to focus on one task without distractions may sometimes appear slow or outdated. But is doing more things at the same time really the best way to live and work?

BENEFITS OF MULTI-TASKING

We are constantly running in the race of life, often without stopping to ask where we are going. We want more comfort, success, recognition, and achievement. In this race, multi-tasking appears attractive because it seems to help us complete our to-do lists faster.

We may eat while watching television, talk on the phone while checking messages, review a document while giving instructions, or walk while listening to music. These activities have become so normal that we hardly notice how divided our attention has become.

Sometimes, managing several responsibilities is necessary. Being able to organise different tasks at the same time can certainly be useful. However, when multi-tasking becomes our constant way of functioning, we may begin to confuse being divided in our attention with being productive. Constantly having divided attention has a cost.

DAMAGES OF MULTI-TASKING

When the mind is repeatedly asked to move between different tasks, our attention becomes divided. We may finish more things, but often with greater mental exhaustion, reduced concentration, and more mistakes. We gradually lose the ability to be completely present.

The deeper loss is the ability to enjoy one activity fully. The mind becomes accustomed to constant activity and distraction, making it extremely difficult to be fully present and still. We even carry this restlessness into our bedtime. The body may be resting, but the mind continues jumping from one thought to another.

UNLEARN THE HABIT OF BEING DIVIDED

It is time to unlearn the habit of multi-tasking, instead doing one thing at a time with our whole attention. This does not mean becoming less capable or less productive. It means learning to use our attention wisely instead of constantly dividing it.

Start with something simple. When eating, put away the phone, switch off the television, and simply enjoy the food. When walking, enjoy the motion of your legs and notice your surroundings.

We do not have to achieve something every moment. Sometimes, accumulating a little less externally while experiencing greater inner stability, peace, and wholeness is a far greater achievement.

Try doing one ordinary activity with wholeness every day. Give it your full attention, without rushing to the next thing. You will discover that when the mind stops racing, concentration improves, exhaustion decreases, and life becomes more enjoyable at every moment.

Courtesy: Rajyoga Meditation Centre, Kingston (meditation courses and counselling are offered free of charge). Get in touch via email: bkmeditation.jam@gmail.com or WhatsApp: 876-853-7848. Follow the centre on Instagram: rajyoga.meditation.jamaica.