The Only Two Legit (and Useful!) Ways to Multitask

Dear Readers,

If you’re someone whose activity cup chronically runneth over, this one’s for you.

We’ve all read that there’s no real multi-tasking; that we can only truly and honestly participate in one thing at a time. And I agree that’s true. MOST of the time.

I have, however, found two ways to legitimately multitask and both are powerful strategies in my toolkit for well-being and healthy productivity.

1) Walk, Run, Hike AND Read Books (via Audible) or Listen to Podcasts

Most of the reading I do these days is via audiobook, and I love hearing books narrated by the author. It brings their stories and even their technical advice much more to life, and I can do it while on my morning trail runs!

I listen with the volume on low so I’m still aware of my surroundings, but the reading and running support each other instead of diminishing, and at the end of the hour, I’ve nourished both my body and mind.

2) Walk, Run, Hike AND Work (using a walking treadmill & raised desk)

I learned this one from an old boss who was an early adopter of this practice. He got the rest of us the walking treadmills that go under desks (around $300 on Amazon these days) and a raised screen holder to retrofit our desks. Now I have a home office with a walking treadmill and an adjustable height desk (also pretty affordable).

Not only is walking more comfortable than sitting or even standing at a desk, it helps my concentration immensely to walk while working. The first few days it’s a little awkward to type on your computer while walking but it gets comfortable quickly and talking on the phone while walking is easy.

It feels like cheating that we can get our steps in while doing desk work; a 2 for 1 deal of magical proportions. On really packed days, this is sometimes the only exercise I get, but it absolutely makes a difference.

If you’re not up for making a furniture change to your work environment, there are still lots of quick and easy things you can do to make your work space work for you.

We work so much more creatively and productively when our body is not fighting off fluorescent lighting, distracting noises, uncomfortable seating, poor posture, stale air, being too cold/hot, etc.

Part of tending to our health and happiness involves tuning into our environment and our body’s response to it. When we notice what makes us feel comfortable, centered, and focused we can make simple adjustments that make a big difference.

Here are a few things I do to get my work vibe right, and that help me pop right into flow state:

• Background Sounds: I like seasonal ambient + ASMR sounds or simple music (without words). I recently came across this amazing YouTube site called Calmed By Nature . It has tons of long playlists that feel relaxing and support focus without being distracting.
• Soft Lighting: Just enough warm lighting in the room and on the desk to get the job done, and offset the harsher computer screen lights.
• Hydration: I enjoy seasonal teas that smell and taste great, and that keep me hydrated, and love sipping them in my favorite ceramic mugs. In this way, the simple act of drinking tea becomes somewhat of a ritual. And given how much hydration supports our physical health and even mood, it’s worth paying attention to!
• Scents: I love candles and the smell + general feeling of warmth, serenity, and relaxation they bring to a space.

These are all examples of simple and inexpensive ways to offer care and support to ourselves - they are acts of self-regard, self-care, and self-love.

The more we nourish ourselves inside and out, the more we have to give our loved ones, work, and the world. The best win-win I know.

What’s one small change you can make this week to improve your working environment? See how it makes you feel, and if you feel inclined, make another!

Happy Women Dinners Event on 3/26

I’m so excited for this event next month!

Join me and fellow East Bay author Amy Eliza Wong for an evening of empowerment, inspiration, and connection. Enjoy dinner and enlightening conversation with other amazing, purpose-driven women.

--- Tuesday March 26 at 6:30 pm in Oakland, CA ---

Email [email protected] by 3/16 to register