From juggling office work to dealing with the kids studies, in this age of social media, more women are taking multi-tasking to all-new levels. DHA licensed Clinical Psychologist Jyotika Aggarwal discusses the impact of frenzied multi-tasking at all levels and provides solutions to unwind.
NOT NEW
Multi-tasking as a role, defines what women have been doing for centuries. Looking after the household chores, giving birth, taking care of the children, making sure all family members were fed, looking after the emotional and physical needs of the family, and in many cultures, even going out to the fields and farming. Today, women continue on a similar path, and in-spite of their full-time jobs, are still largely responsible for managing the household chores, the children’s education and discipline, and the food for the entire family. Hence, they are left with no option, but to push themselves to their limits and multi-task to extremes.
NEGATIVE IMPACTS
This “super-woman” complex is taking a toll on the mental and physical well-being of women. They are suffering due to such exhaustive multi-tasking. The stress caused leads to many issues including chronic body aches, insomnia, auto-immune difficulties like thyroidism, PCOS, alopecia, and increased skin maladies. The psychological effects are even more harmful and have far-reaching consequences. Depression, generalized anxiety, distance between partners, reduced “metime”, and mental fatigue is becoming more common.
TECHNIQUES TO UNWIND
Do two to three sets of focused deep breathing throughout your work day; each set takes just three to five minutes, and it instantly grounds you. Do not do or think of work during your lunch-break time. Instead, come back five minutes earlier to your seat and take that time to re-orient yourself. When we keep thinking about work during a break, it’s almost like the brain did not get a break and it kept working. Leave the office on time, which not only gives you a sense of control, it also helps you optimize your work day and gives you personal time to relax and de-stress. Wear comfortable shoes and attire. Discomfort in movement and posture can magnify stress. When we are uncomfortable physically, we tend to get upset and stressed more easily. Use your olfactory sense to make yourself feel better. Research suggests that certain smells can directly activate our emotional responses. Hence, add a small potpourri or incense to your work desk to uplift your emotions and mood instantly.
