Monday, January 8, 2007

What's HOT (Horizons Occupational Therapy)

Ever think that you are getting a lot done by multitasking? Basically research is showing that we tend to spin our wheels in lots of directions, but not hardly accomplishing anything. Many of us start one task, before finishing another which can put a person into a warp-speed-juggling act. The idea of multitasking comes from computers, which appear to perform many functions at the same time. But this is misleading, because most computers flip back and forth between tasks-and your brain operates in much the same way. It is literally impossible to pay conscious attention to more than one thing at once, and do them all well. It really scares me that people are seen in their cars driving, putting on makeup, talking on the phone, and smoking a cigarette.
It is important in our daily lives to slow down, and to take time to wipe the mental slate clean. As multitasking occurs, our stress levels increase, and our lack of ability to perform to our potential. Take time to reboot by reflecting on the day ahead helps prime the mind. Prioritize what must get done, then make a schedule rather than a to-do list. Turn off the tv, computer, and phone. Take time to walk, exercise, focus and meditate, giving your overtaxed brain a chance to re-group.
Sarah OT

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