Sometimes as Mums, we have no choice but to multitask! Talking on the phone to our mother-in-law, while carrying bub and trying to prepare dinner all at the same time! Never mind that toddler who is wedged between our legs playing Peek-a-boo!
Did you know that we are actually not made to multitask? Our brain can find it confusing when we perform two tasks at once. Switching back and forth from several different activities can actually slow down our efficiency.
Are Mums expected to do too much these days?
There are days when we try to juggle too much. We can become overwhelmed and distracted and lose focus on what we are doing. A better way is to focus at the task at hand and complete it well before moving on to the next task.
When working on multiple tasks at once, we may even feel disconnected from the people in our lives as we are already thinking of the next task we have to rush to. As a result, we tend to perform these tasks via habit without truly appreciating the importance of what we are doing.
For example, when our Husbands come home after a long day at work and want to tell us about their day, are we telling our kids to put away their toys or are busy sorting through the mail? Remember – it is people who matter the most, so let’s make time for them!
But sometimes we HAVE to Multitask!
So for Mothers who have no choice but to multitask, ask yourself if the task you are doing and juggling is really important or necessary. For example, you are preparing dinner and the phone rings, just let it ring! If it is important, the person will call you back. We must learn to be able to detach ourselves from material things that can sometimes drag us down.
Take pride in your Housework
See it as ‘going to work each day’.
Have you changed out of your PJs? Perhaps that is the first thing you should do! As a Mum, it is important to look nice, just as if you were going off to work (which you are – the professional work of the home!). Take a shower, fix your hair, put a little make up on and get the day started. This does not mean you have to do the chores in your stilettos but those daggy trackies might not be necessary either! There’s a certain mental shift that comes with actually getting yourself ready for the day and to be most productive, you really need it.
Do you have a to-do list?
Set yourself some realistic daily goals. If you were in the office, you would have some sort of plan to ensure you are using your time effectively. The same goes for working at home too. Set goals and determine the number of tasks you’re going to complete before the end of the day.
Something that keeps you going…
What motivates you? What keeps you going? It’s different for everyone. Try to figure what helps you to work most effectively and efficiently. For some people it is that tick list while others by novelty or even a little competition! Could it be that cup of coffee you are looking forward too? Save it for a treat when you have crossed of what was planned on your to-do list.
Stay focused on the task
Self-discipline is essential. At home, you are your own boss; therefore you need to stay focused on your work. Do what you have planned to do and get down to it, starting with the most mundane, boring or difficult task first. You will be so much happier once it is completed, and even a little proud of yourself! Try to avoid procrastination, this helps you to be in control of yourself and avoid giving in to your whims.
Good luck with those tasks Mums, and remember multitasking isn’t good or bad in itself. Sometimes we simply have no choice. It is about acknowledging what we are doing and ordering tasks to their level of importance. When in doubt, I like to remember…family first!
Originally posted 2013-10-27 23:03:05.