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My Concrete Dove exists to help family caregivers escape the overwhelm and learn to smile again.
๐๐๐ก๐ก๐ค ๐พ๐๐ง๐๐๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ข๐ฅ๐๐๐ง๐,
I probably shouldn't admit this, but I've just about lost my ability to multitask. And I thought multitasking was my jam. ๐ฃ
For years, I was like one of those plate-spinning acts from the Ed Sullivan Show.
- Mom of four,
- full-time employee,
- full-time student,
- Bible Study leader,
- Children's Church teacher, and
- yadda-yadda-yadda.
But I never dropped a plate.
Now, I'm a full-time family caregiver and even though my life is less busy with kids, work, and school, this is a whole different act. And it's harder!
Those good old plate-spinning days are over
In January, I started an Instagram Marketing class and loved it. I took the class because I want to help and encourage other family caregivers, but I needed to learn some new skills to do that more effectively (more about the class later).
Unfortunately, that is what put me over the top. Maxxed me out. Broke the flood gates...You know what I mean, right?
My plates started to wobble and that's why you haven't heard from me lately.
Between the class, blogging, my family, and the ever-changing and increasing needs of my sister, who has Alzheimer's (darn that disease!) and Down Syndrome, something had to give.
And speaking of plates, dropping mine wasn't an option. Something had to go to make life more manageable. And stepping away from regular blog posting for a little while won.
I was able to finish the class and it looks like I am reaching more family caregivers. Now, I'm excited to get back to writing.
Even temporary changes can be effective, my friend, so don't be afraid to make them.
What is multitasking, and why shouldn't you do it
Multitasking: the performance of multiple tasks at one time. (merriam-webster.com)
You know, do all the things on your checklist all at the same time. But, according to the Cleveland Clinic article, Why Multitasking Doesn't Work (Health Essentials, March 10, 2021), multitasking isn't so good for you. It could:
- Hinder your performance
- Make you less efficient and more likely to make mistakes
- Negatively impact your life, or even be dangerous
- Lead to poorer driving performance
- Make us more distracted and less able to focus, and the big one for me
- Affect our ability to learn
There's an abundance of daily tasks in any household, and maybe even more for the family caregiver. Some are on the checklist while others are big surprises.
So, with a full list in hand, multitasking becomes very attractive. But, don't do it!
Why single-tasking is a better idea
Single-tasking is the concept of doing one task at a time with little distraction for some time.
Simple, right? Think of it as making the most of your effort & energy, and turning the negative effects of a multitasking checklist ๐ upside down.
It's a twofer! A win-win! The best possible outcome!...I did it again, but you know what I mean.
Caregiving friend, ditch the checklist. We really don't have to do all the things, and certainly not all simultaneously. But we can do our best one task at a time. And that IS a better idea.
My multitasking days are over. Old habits are hard to break but I'm going to give it a good try.
Are you with me?
Click here to learn more about single-tasking.
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