You know how it is in these days of multi-tasking; phones that pretend to be computers and wireless browsing. These things are brilliant because we can do whatever it is we do, wherever we want to be doing it. But I’m starting to suspect that there is a down-side to all our mobile working. Take two nights ago for example, I checked my email via my phone whilst talking to my son as he played in the bath. Someone had left a comment on here and re-tweeted so I also took advantage of the Twitter app on my phone, thanked them for their tweet and replied to their comment. I found myself wondering, is this progress?

Whether it be spending time with your children, hanging out with your mates, writing a post for your blog or checking your email, I believe that each of these, and thousands of tasks like them, will be more enjoyable and successful if you live in that moment. Here’s how:

1. Decide what is important
In a perfect world, I might like to spend all morning playing with son (I know he wouldn’t argue with that ) but realistically, the dishes must be washed and clothes folded. I also like to check my email and write posts for this blog while my husband would tell you he’d like me to clean the skirting boards With a to-do list longer than The Great Wall of China, the only way to juggle all these demands is to focus on one thing at a time. At any given point in the day, decide what is important and do it.

2. Switch off all distractions
Having decided what you are going to do, the only way to focus on that one task is to remove the temptation to start multi-tasking. That might mean closing your web browser if you’re reading and replying to emails or, in my case, leaving your mobile downstairs when you bath your children As shocking as it might sound, if you receive lots of telephone calls you might even need to turn off your phone while you undertake some activities

3. Eye contact
If you’re checking your email or spending time reading your favourite charity blog, maintaining eye contact isn’t really an issue. However, if your chosen activity involves another person (or persons) this is vital. I know you know this already but it has got to be said. Us girls are pretty good at doing more than one thing at a time but even allowing for that, I have to be honest and with you about this. If you talk to me and I’m not looking at you, there’s a better than average chance that I’m not hearing what you’re saying.

4. Listen
I’m sorry to say that my children will testify to the times when I’ve heard them without really listening My sister will also tell you how appallingly bad I am at speaking to her on the ‘phone when I’m reading my email I have been known to chat on the phone whilst tidying the breakfast dishes away without too much deterioration in the conversation but generally speaking, listening is one skill that needs your full attention if it is to be done properly.

5. Love the little things
Knowing I was preparing this post, last night I followed my own advice. It was bath time again and my son was drawing on the side of the bath with his special crayons. If you’d seen his face when I asked him what he was drawing you’d understand my inspiration for ‘love the little things’. You can find something to make you smile in the simplest of things but it helps if you keep your eyes open for them. As I sit here typing these words, I can hear the wind blowing down the chimney of our gas fire and the rain making music against the window. I can’t say I’d love it if I had to go put the bins out right now but sat here snug and warm, it almost sounds like music

photo credit: Amy Loves Yah

Tagged as: easy, live, moment, ways