Like me, you probably have dozens of tabs on your computer open at any given time. Whether it’s an article you want to read later, podcast episodes you want to listen to when you have a chance, multiple work documents, or just various email and social media accounts, your browser is probably cluttered with numerous and often unnecessary tabs - and your computer is working slower as a result!
Whilst some people are good at multi-tasking, most can't really efficiently multitask at all. Instead, our brains hop rapidly from one task to another, losing concentration every time we shift our attention.
This leaves us feeling exhausted and overwhelmed with all the multi-tasking in our lives. It’s as if ‘my brain has too many tabs open.’ We have a huge number of simultaneous thoughts and ideas with an ever growing ‘to do list’ floating around our heads. This is the mental health equivalent of having multiple browser windows open on your computer. Close them - you won’t miss them!
Now, that’s easier said than done you might say. Here are 5 easy tips you can use to declutter your mind and close those open tabs in your head!
- Try to limit multi-tasking. Writing a ‘to do list’ will help you keep track of what needs to be done and help you prioritize what needs to be done first. This will allow you to focus on one task at a time and minimize the amount of things you have to remember.
- Create Healthy Boundaries. When we take on too much, whether imposed by ourselves or others, we risk causing harm to ourselves. It is important to say ‘no’ sometimes. If we don’t state our needs clearly, we run the risk of people having their needs met through us, at the expense of our own needs going unmet, which leads to a busier life for you. Try saying “I would really like to help but unfortunately, I just cannot take on anything else at the moment” or “I understand that this is something you want me to do. However, can I show you what I have on so we can decide what you would like prioritized?”
- Make space in your day to rest. Running on empty will only get you so far. Just as your phone needs recharging, so do you! Studies show that taking ‘micro breaks’ (5-15 minutes) improves your overall mental health and wellbeing. Something as simple as watching a funny video, reading a book on public transport, going for a walk, chatting to a friend, or taking a snack break will help recharge your batteries. Dedicating downtime into your daily schedule helps you restore your energy levels.
- Place importance on ‘me time.’ It’s often easy to engage in activities that involve other people. In all the hustle and bustle, don’t forget about you! Make sure you have some ‘me time’ and go to the movies by yourself, read a book, have a bath, listen to music… all in your own company. This might feel weird at first, however is a great way to slow down, relax and close a tab in your head.
- Download a wellness app. When you don’t have the answers yourself and you’re feeling stressed, restless, or experiencing difficulty sleeping, why not go to the experts that are right at your fingertips? You can ownload a great app like Calm, Gratitude Happiness Journal or Smiling Minds.
‘Grin and Share It’ - Thanks to those who ‘Grin and Shared It’ with me last week. Here is something that made me grin…
If you have something to ‘Grin and Share’, you can email me on: marika.smith3@education.vic.gov.au
Until next time…
Marika Smith
Student Wellbeing Officer