This time around, Lilli and her staff sent a newsletter entitled, "Getting Your Flow On." They included a link to an article about multitasking. It says multitasking is bad for your brain.
I don't know if that's true. I get my flow on in multiple ways, all at the same time.
When John comes home and I'm nowhere to be found—the bed is half-made, some of the dishes are put away, the bathtub is squeaky clean but not the bathroom floor—I'm probably in the garage because that's where the filing cabinet is.
If multitasking is bad for my brain, that could explain the roots of my noun problem. I often have to grapple to find the word I'm looking for. I always stumble over "Brussels sprouts" and "sideboard," for example. I have no idea why these in particular give me trouble. Sometimes when I write and the word I want is not available, I write OWTTE (or words to that effect) or FABW (find a better word) and move on, hoping it'll come to me while I'm editing. It usually does. (It has to. I'm not finished until it does.)
I had a little trouble understanding the multitasking article because I had to switch screens between paragraphs to read another article I was reading about the dwarf planet Ceres. Did you know it gets up to -28 degrees Fahrenheit up there? Hey, I've spent winters in Chicago. -28F is livable! Or it would be, if Ceres had an atmosphere. I don't remember anything else about the article but it gave me something to do between paragraphs in the multitasking piece.
I used to think my multitasking was a talent but now I know it's frenzied (FABW). It's time for me to buckle down, concentrate and focus (OWTTE), or I'll never GTD (get things done).
20 comments:
I am not a multitask-er. One thing at a time! :)
That's great, Maya! Obviously your brain is in good shape.
What's interesting is to leave town without a computer or any access to the net. I guarantee you, despite the glories of nature etc, you will go through withdrawals.
The net has changed our thinking process and turned everyone ADD.
JMHO LOL ; )
No iPhone, PA? You are brave. You are also more experienced at getting out of town than I am.
I take my phone on unfamiliar hikes, not for chatting but for the compass, the weather report, etc.
You're right, though, we're all ADD now. I'm addicted to my email.
I remember the remark somewhere last winter about it being warmer on Mars than some spots in North America.
Wilma looks content.
Has it been as bad this winter, William? I haven't heard much news about it, but winter's not over yet.
Thank you so much for the laughs. You should be a comedy writer. Oh, you already are! I suffer terribly if I leave my smartphone behind, but scientists tell me it's the reason I can't focus on anything. What was I saying?
Your image is my kind of multitasking ;-)
Hee hee, Bellis, you're a comedy writer, too!
Llandudno, it is my goal in life.
Since my stroke, I CANNOT multitask. It is just not possible. It's been interesting.
That IS interesting, Denise. Maybe your brain has chosen to force you to focus. I wonder if there have been any studies on this.
Very funny. I'd write more but also juggling right now. Oranges that is.
Margaret, you're one of the best multitaskers ever.
You know I'm totally down with the big W.
Great photo and very interesting post!
Now I'm off to follow the bluefeet link.
We all are, Karin, and I got a picture of John being down with her.
Thank you, Nathalie, I hope you enjoy Lilli's site.
Margaret, in light of what I said about multitasking it occurs to me that my response to you might appear to be an insult. But I assure you, I admire your ability to juggle.
Hmm. Nope.
According to my neuropsychology book, multitasking is a myth; the brain can only concentrate on one thing at a time. What we're really doing (and lord knows, I'm guilty) is flitting from one thing to another.
That makes sense. Maybe what the article is telling me is that when I flit, I don't flow.
Good post -- I'm guilty of "flitting" also. I have to manage multitasking for my jobs.
But now, inspired by John, I think I'll lie on the couch next to my cat :-)
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