One thing at a time
There are only a few days left before Christmas. It can be so easy this time of year to feel overwhelmed, overbooked, overworked, overscheduled, and overdone! When my to-do list has more items on it than I could ever hope to accomplish (at least until I magically turn into Super Mom or find Harry Potter’s wand) and I’m multi-tasking like a maniac, I have a mantra that I repeat to myself. A mindfulness mantra, if you will.
One thing at a time.
Because there’s smart and efficient use of my time (like loading and running the dishwasher while my coffee brews), and then there’s just making more work for myself (like trying to download music and compose emails while texting and printing paperwork– those things should be done separately or else the texts and the emails get mixed up and sent to the wrong people).
One thing at a time.
By repeating this mantra (and then doing it), I find that I’m actually able to complete more tasks than if I’d tried doing several things at once. Focusing on individual tasks helps eliminate careless mistakes I might otherwise make if I was halfway paying attention or rushing through. Plus, it frees up all that mental energy I’d otherwise waste worrying about whether or not I sent the email to the correct person, and then having to double check that I did.
One thing at a time.
Does this mantra guarantee that I’ll complete all the tasks on my to-do list? Nope.
Does this mantra guarantee that I’ll be stress-free and relaxed during the holiday season? Nope.
But what it does do is empower me to take control over my schedule and my activities. It empowers me to make decisions and choices and not feel ‘bullied’ by my to-do list. It gives me peace of mind in knowing that I’m probably making fewer mistakes (anyone else ever have to re-send an email saying “sorry, that message was meant for someone else”?). And that’s significant this time of year.
It’s about mindfulness and paying attention to what’s happening. Our tendency during busy times is to mindlessly go through our to-do lists, hoping to check off more items. The practice of mindfulness– one thing at a time– encourages us to stop and go slowly and focus on that one thing. It’s simply about paying attention.
So give it a try! Hopefully it helps make your holiday season (or any season!) less frantic and more enjoyable. We could all use a little more of that!
If you’re interested in learning more about how mindfulness and/or music therapy might help you, contact me for more information. I’m always happy to answer questions!
