Fall is my favorite. The cooler sweater weather, the multi-colored crunchy leaves and the crisp fresh air. It makes for the perfect early morning run and afternoon walk once the sun has had some time to warm it up a bit.
With that said, I am a bit ashamed to admit that despite my love for this season, I haven’t been spending much time enjoying it. I keep planning on an afternoon walk only for the day to go by and it never happens.
I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit but I think a big reason has been because I can’t multitask while I’m doing it.
I wanted to walk the other day, so I went to the gym, brought a book I’ve been wanting to read and walked on the treadmill. Meanwhile, it was a gorgeous day outside and I didn’t enjoy it.
A few days I’ve chosen to skip the walk in order to spend that time applying for more jobs, studying or writing. Now don’t get me wrong, those are things that need to be happening, but sometimes I forget that it’s okay to just relax, to just breathe, and to take a break.
I’m a master multi-tasker and often try to utilize each bit of my time to the fullest but this is a case of multitasking gone wrong.
Sometimes we need to stop and remember that a break, even a 10 minute walk outside enjoying the fresh air, can make us more productive when we return to the task at hand.
I have been so go-go-go the last several weeks and while I thought I was handling myself well, a bit of bad news the other day sent me into a spiral of self pity; it made me realize that I haven’t been taking as good care of myself as I thought and that I need to remember to take a break and allow myself to breathe more often, to take that afternoon walk and crunch on the leaves, even if I can only give myself 10 minutes, it will help.
From today forward, I’m working on this. I’m taking this habit of multitasking and I’m being more mindful when multitasking isn’t working or doesn’t need to happen. A walk on the treadmill with a book is great, but so is a walk outside enjoying the fresh air on a gorgeous day, no book and just listening to the sounds of the leaves crunching under your feet.
With that said, I’m going outside for a walk.
Are you a serial multi-tasker? Tell me about a time when multitasking wasn’t working for you.
I am totally a multitasker! I’ve been trying to dedicate a set amount of time to one task before moving to another in an attempt to become more focused.
It’s hard isn’t it? I’ve been trying to do a bit of that too. Multitasking has it’s place, but it also has times when it needs to take the back burner. 😉
OMG YES! All day, every day. It’s overkill and I’m so glad I read this, definitely needed it.
Oh yay! Glad I could help! 🙂
multitasking just doesn’t work for me.. I work better in a serial manner.
— DT | Here I Scribble
And that is quite OK – as long as we know what works best for us and we know how to switch it up when something isn’t working!
Hi. My name is Nichole and I’m a serial multi-tasker. I need help. But i’ve taken the first step and admitted it. Thank you! 🙂
Bahahah! Oh Nichole…it’s okay my dear, welcome to my club! Step #2…it’s okay to multi-task, just know when it isn’t actually HELPING anything and when it’s okay to just do ONE thing. 🙂
I am a HUGE multi tasker. It makes me feel like I’ve gotten more done and it gives me more time to be lazy in the evenings, which I very much need!
Sara’s Organized Chaos
Oh girl, I get it. I’m a big multi-tasked myself. Just make sure you stay tuned into the times when you need to NOT multitask and just enjoy the moment or one activity. 🙂
I’m with you on multitasking! The other night I had the Cubs game on the tv, I was on my laptop writing a post all while on a stationary bike (we have one with a little laptop desk on the handles) and I realized how crazy I was haha
This is TOTALLY something I would do! 😉
Great post. I am a major multi-tasker. I fully utilize all 24 hours in a day. I enjoy walking my maltipoo fur baby. As a business owner, I use that time to listen to podcasts or periscopes. I do agree with your comment about planning time for yourself. That is a must. And even taking a 10 minute break can really help.
Yes! And that is exactly the point…a 10 minute walk outside can be enough to make me come back and be even better at the multi-tasking that I was doing. It’s just a matter of recognizing when something isn’t working and being prepared to do something about it.
Yes, I’m a multitasker and can take it to an extreme sometimes. This is a good reminder to slow down a little!
Slow. it. down. 😉
Yes! It’s definitely hard sometimes that it’s completely fine to NOT to get things done right away and to spend some time for yourself! Enjoy your “you” time!
Thanks, Morgan!
I feel ya! Last night I made a point of walking through the grass to my car after class instead of on the sidewalk. I probably looked a little silly, but it felt darn good!
What’s wrong with the grass? I totally would have done the same thing! 🙂
Hi I found you via Running with Spoons linkup and I’ll be following your blog and social media now. I hope you’ll visit and do the same.
I love multitasking. I read, watch tv and carry on a conversation simultaneously. I am always responding to blog stuff when I am doing something else.
When I don’t accomplish everything, I have to stay up and that’s not good for me ? http://runwright.net/2015/10/08/while-you-were-sleeping-2/
Thanks for stopping by, girl! 🙂 Just remember that sometimes it’s OK to do one thing (like take a walk without a book, in my case) in order to come back and be even more productive. 😉
Totally something I’m working on as well, especially when it comes to blogging. I’d do little chores instead of just sitting down and writing. I’m realizing how much happiness has come into my life since my regular blogging in the past couple of weeks, so when I see a few dishes or a little clutter – I know it’s all worth it.
I loved reading your comment about how much happiness you receive from blogging, so much that you are ok with a few dirty dishes. That is exactly what I noticed recently. I find myself growing more and more willing to let things be out of place.
Perfectly said, my friend!! 🙂