the forgotten art of monotasking – an antidote for a stressed world
Obviously monotasking isn’t a completely lost art in our modern world – many of us do single tasks throughout the day – but it is easier than ever to feed an ever growing craving for multi-tasking and efficiency, and this isn’t a bad thing at all! I only want to share a simple way I destress and unwind when I need it, and it is as simple as mindfully doing one thing at a time, breaking activities into simple steps that seem more doable than taking on the day as whole and overloading myself. Perhaps I’m not as productive sometimes, maybe by some standards I am wasting time, but it feeds my soul in a way that is hard to expain, as if this focused, methodical pace is what I needed all along.
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There is nothing wrong with doing many things at a time or speeding through tasks, I myself do that often – I only want to share a simple way I destress and unwind when I need it, and it is as simple as mindfully doing one thing at a time, breaking activities into simple steps that seem more doable than taking on the day as whole and overloading myself. Perhaps I’m not as productive sometimes, maybe by some standards I am wasting time, but it feeds my soul in a way that is hard to expain, as if this focused, methodical pace is what I needed all along. I notice if I go day after day always seeking entertainment it can make me struggle to focus and unwind, but maybe that doesn’t apply to you! I don’t know, I just like to find what works for me and might provoke some thoughts ❤ sending much love
Lovely video with mindfulness suggestion…. I will try monotask… Before i always plan at least 5 to do list in a day… And i feel stress at the end of the day cuz i just completed 2 task
I realize that we are in radically changing times – physically and spiritually – but I'm angry at whoever is violating my free will by speeding up time! (or is it only my perception of time?) Perhaps some of it is simply trying to do too much, and then fretting over not keeping up.😟 I was not getting much of anything accomplished, only piles of unfinished tasks. (and many more not even started!) Before watching Paola's video, I had decided to do something about it (short of suicide, lol) but, What?🤔 Now I know.😲 Thank you so much, dear Paola!❤🙏 🚂Lawrence
Hi there, I watched the video and liked it so much…I subscribed with the bell and a like. I admire your lifestyle and content, be well and happy 💛💖
Finding deeper meaning in life beyond what is typically thought or believed in mainstream culture will bring peace and spaciousness to every moment for rich exploration and growth.
Wonderful concept, totally agree…
munching my lunch AND watching the vid
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Hola Paola, gracias por tus videos me gustaría que compartas qué o cómo te gustó o hubiera gustado que te acompañen en esos momentos de mayor ansiedad. Sería de gran orientación para quienes tenemos amigos, familia o parejas pasando un momento como ese. Gracias
Very helpful, thank you Paola x
I did mono tasking this morning! It helped me focus on what I wanted to to instead of sitting on the sofa watching stuff on both the tv and phone at the same time!
Nice
I bet you had more than 1 bowl of that lovely looking ice cream🍧???😏lol. I think you just answered my question .lol😄❤👍
You are a blessing ❤🤍🇿🇦
I wonder if you are addressing "monotasking" similarly to "being in the moment"? This certainly depends on your family dynamic and work situation. Some of us do it through our art or professional work, focussing with single-mindedness on deep thinking and creating. Monotasking is often difficult during mundane chores or difficult situations, like arduous work, or even in a busy environment. Still, some of us are with you in this Zen of the Moment practice daily, through a variety of approaches, notably athletics, art, research and writing, tea time outside, listening to music. Your lifestyle is a luxury for most these days, or more like a secure senior😁 Enjoy and stay well.
Thank you for the video, fun fact what you call Fireweed in the USA is called Rose-Bay-Willow Herb in the UK, which is where I live, I've had the name Fireweed crop up in a few of my books and never knew what it meant so thank you for unintentionally teaching me.
Thank you for this peaceful and scared corner of the internet ❤
Have you seen the photo on facebook of a 96 year old grandmother who finished her hand-stitched chair after 25 years? This chair immediately made me think of you! It has the bunnies and the deer and so much more. It is incredibly lovely and a marvel. I wish I knew a way to include a link for it!
Thanks for reminding us on mono tasking which is much needed in the current times. We can start it in small durations and can appreciate its value.
Your channel is really a peaceful haven for many, thanks for giving us an opportunity to slow down and reflect within ourselves.❤
Happily watching this video whilst i am eating my dinner, scrolling instagram and also making a to do list all at once 😂🎉
Hi Paola, its good to be reminded what benefits monotasking brings. I'm guilty about looking at my mobile phone whilst working. So next week will give it a try no peeking at my phone during work time.
Thank you for reminding me it’s not necessary to juggle a zillion balls in the air while racing furiously through life. And thank you not hyping sponsors or jarring ads spoiling the gentle flow of your stories. Yours is a haven of peace!
Thank you
This is such a valuable lesson and reminder on how to deal with things in life. I find myself often drowning in multi tasking, trying to tick as many things as possible at once or during the day, when in reality it is often too much for my brain to process and I develop anxiety, agitation and stress during the day, which then add to a not so restful sleep, which then incapacitates me further the following day, thus adding even more stress. If not managed properly, multi tasking can sometimes overwork my brain and decrease empathy to a point I am no longer able to complete tasks or to have normal, calm conversations with those around me.
Quick example from my life: I would at times in the morning, in order to reduce time spent with breakfast and cleaning before starting to work, do 2-3 things at a time such as: washing dishes, while something cooks on the stove all the while I am listening to a podcast and at times my fiancee interrupts me in order to ask questions or tell me something. One would say such tasks, if done separately, are easy to do and not stressful, but if done at the same time, they add to a not so nice morning routine/ experience, which I am sure no one could suffer. It took me a while to realize, but learning to give up on some tasks and trying to do them in order rather than simultaneously really gives the peace of mind we all need to function.
I believe one of the key solutions to having a balanced life with manageable stress, we need to pay attention to our body and mind clues, learn what to do during the day, when to give up doing them and when to disconnect from social media and the internet.
😊
Always enjoy your videos. Had to giggle a little as I was watching this and crocheting…but I have often felt a strong desire to detach from my phone. To focus more on being creative. Thank for all you do….hugs…
Thank you for this much needed reminder.
I think it is quite remarkable that you don’t play any ads in the middle of your videos! That really helps to calm down and focus on your message. 😊
Multitasking requires switching one’s focus back and forth. It’s considered a “skill” these days, especially by corporate America. I think it’s overrated. Being constantly interrupted while performing tasks that require attention is inefficient. It’s fine if you aren’t doing something that’s time sensitive or not on a deadline, but when you are, uninterrupted focus is really important.
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Being autistic mono tasking is the only way I function. I simply don’t have the bandwidth to do more than one thing at a time. I am certainly the odd one out in my office as I can’t listen to music while I work and if I get a text or email while watching a movie I have to pause the movie to read it. It’s nice to know this isn’t a curse I sometimes think it is.
Had not heard of mono tasking til I saw your video title. Thank you this is something I needed to learn about.
5:15 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I've recently begun incorporating lessons i've learnt from a mindfulness course into my daily life. Some days are easier than others, but after one month i can feel changes in myself. I like those changes so intend to continue and get better at it, i can multitask any time, but monotasking mindfully is a skill i want to develop and be able "to do anytime" also. I like the rest time my brain gets from it, it overflows in to so many areas of my neurodivergent life 😊
As someone who grew up before social media and cellphones, I find it pretty easy to monotask. It depends on what I'm doing, but I can easily go all day without looking at my phone or computer. When I was in high school and just after, I could read for hours and get so lost in a book that the world around me would disappear. I've recently been getting back into reading and it's been wonderful to get lost in a book again. I also crochet a LOT, but I tend to watch videos like this one while I'm crocheting..;) When it's not insanely hot outside I like to sit out in the back yard and work on my crocheting or art. Every weekend I do my best to stay off social media. It's much better for my mental health and I realize that I'm much happier. I don't need to know what everyone else is doing.
You made it look easy, You turned that ice cream maker crank about three times then boom! you had ice cream.
We had an old White Mountain Ice cream maker that looked just like yours. Us kids would turn the crank. My sister took her turn first when the crank was easy to move, then us boys would take over as it became ever harder to turn.
Recently, origami has helped me a lot to calm my mind.
I have the old White Mountain ice cream maker that Mom and Dad used when we were small children. We wanted to do the cranking but could only do it for a short time as it becomes harder to turn as the ice cream develops. Thanks for the trip down memory lane… precious memories! ❤
Animals monotask! Let's learn from them to prioritise quality over quantity.-
A paz é como um dia na primavera.
O silêncio que você vive é um sonho pra mim. Moro em um lugar barulhento. Sonho em viver uma vida tranquila nas montanhas, como este lugar que você mora. Me vejo entre as flores, assim como vejo você em cada vídeo seu.
I love your videos 😍
Its 4 a m .i have been awake all night its enough. I waste my life worring about all people who destroyed my health life family economic house .Its enough. And time to make up with the past and the idiots
I do get less done when I multi-task because I can't focus.☮️❤
This is insanely hypocritical.
I have grown old enough to finally give myself permission to do NOTHING for an entire day. I will get up late, nap with my feline companion, and just RELAX for hours, listening to music or spoken word content. It is very liberating to just allow oneself to do nothing now and then.
Paola, you are a precious jewel and an uplifting presence on YouTube. Thank you for all you do and your delightful YouTube content.
Cuando pertenecemos a un mundo laboral exigente sobre todo y además atendernos un hogar, es indispensable ser multitareas, pero es algo que cobra factura en nuestras salud física y mental, lo viví en mi juventud pero ahora que soy algo mayor y que solo soy responsable por mí, puedo darme el gusto de hacer algo que disfrute (o no tanto) y concentrarme en ello al punto que obtengo mejores resultados, y valoro esos logros individuales con gran placer. Me parece excelente que tú siendo aún tan joven, ya puedas disfrutarlo también!
Couldn't help but noticed the music (3:20) sounds like my childhood jingle 'Rasa Sayang' and it's so good 😀
Dear Paola, thank you for a wonderful reminder on a sleepy Sunday afternoon, to remind us all of how wonderful mindfulness is! I think in the hustle and bustle of life, we get swept away with the days. Your syrup and your ice cream looked absolutely delicious. Big hugs from Australia xo ❤❤❤
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