Ever feel like a squirrel on caffeine when you're multitasking?

You know the drill—jumping from one task to another, starting an email, then suddenly remembering a meeting, halfway through that, you’re designing a PowerPoint, only to realize you’ve been Googling “best ways to not feel like a squirrel.” It's like you're chasing a hundred nuts and never actually cracking one open. Spoiler alert: squirrels may look busy, but they’re just burying acorns they’ll never find again! Maybe it's time to stop being the squirrel and focus on one task at a time before we lose all our metaphorical acorns!

Jokes aside, there is an emotional impact of multitasking.

Multitasking might seem like a badge of honour in today’s fast-paced workplace, but the truth is, it often leads to burnout, stress, and reduced productivity. When we juggle too many tasks at once, we divide our attention, making it harder to focus and increasing the likelihood of errors. Emotionally, multitasking can leave us feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and disconnected from our work.

Tips to Help Focus:

1. Set Micro-Goals: Break tasks into smaller steps, like "write the introduction" instead of "finish the report." Each small win makes the task less overwhelming and keeps you motivated and focused.
2. Use the Pomodoro Technique Work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks. This not only boosts concentration but also gives your brain the rest it needs to maintain long-term productivity.
3. Limit Distractions Create an environment conducive to focus by turning off unnecessary notifications and setting clear boundaries for your time. This allows you to enter a flow state, where you can fully immerse in the task.

You might have to trial and error to find what works. Be patient. Take the time to figure out what makes you tick, what supports your focus and what hinders it. For me, coffee shops for deep work, piano ?? music & soundscapes, clear goals and tidy kitchen to wake up too in the morning help me focus.

You deserve to be purposeful with your time because you get one life.

Dive into your self-awareness so that you become intentional with every moment, and make each choice count toward your goals and well-being. Your time is a precious resource—use it wisely and with purpose. Embrace Intentionality ????????????????

Multitasking can scatter your focus and stress your mind. Find emotional balance by dedicating your attention to one task at a time, and watch your productivity and well-being improve.

Here's some techniques for emotional balance in your life ?

1. Emotional Check-Ins: Regularly pause throughout the day to assess how you're feeling. Acknowledge any stress or frustration and address it before it escalates, allowing you to stay grounded and focused. Use that inner voice for good ??
2. Deep Breathing Exercises: Simple breathing techniques, like the 4-7-8 method, can help calm your mind and reduce stress when you feel scattered. A few deep breaths can re-center your focus. (I know - these things can be weird, even for us 'squirrels' trying to figure it all out. Don't let the new scare you from finding something that could really help you ??)
3. Time Blocking for Emotional Rest: Schedule time for non-work activities that restore your emotional energy—whether it’s a short walk, a quick meditation, or a moment of relaxation. (Listen ?? , like actually stop, slow down and smell the ?? ?? ?? )

As we wrap up another edition of Employee Espresso, let's all agree on one thing:

Multitasking is like trying to juggle squirrels—cute in theory, chaotic in reality!

So next time you catch yourself in "squirrel mode," take a breath, slow down, and focus on one thing at a time. Who knows, you might just notice the ladybugs?? along the way, or at least one less squirrel running the show.

Remember, success doesn’t come from how many tasks you juggle—it comes from being present and purposeful in what you do. If you sat still long enough to make it here, then this next part is truly for you ??

If you believe that you could benefit from a 1:1 EQ Growth Session - send an email to [email protected] with the word Squirrel and you'll be automatically entered to Win a Virtual 1:1 45 minute session including your personal assessment, report and lots more!

Be sure to check out my instagram @amandadawnrichardson - the real me, sharing real tips and honest advice from the ??

May your week be focused and fulfilling, and may you 'espresso' your emotions to unlock your true potential.