Anne Tyler Lord

The Writer’s Life: Multitasking

War in Resolution Galaxy (Episode 5)

Previously in …War in Resolution Galaxy (#4), the EVOLVE Empire warriors special forces division learned that play, rest and relaxation was one of the keys to being a great warrior in Resolution Galaxy.  And, they saw that the Force could grow stronger in them as they opened further to their intuition.

“How is the scheduled maintenance going, recuits?”

“Commander, it is going great, I repaired part of the defense shield while I checked the valves on the rocket launchers, and helped recruit 345 with his assignment…”

“And I am half-way done with the computer systems check while I began to help recruit 678 with the repairs on the defense shield, I also started my assignment and am helping to fix lunch for everyone…”

“The maintenance was scheduled to be done on the defense shield two hours ago, and the computer systems check needed to be completed three hours ago. These are vital functions to our survival during this war in Resolution Galaxy. Without our priorities set and energy focused, we are vulnerable.”

“But Commander, we have done what you ordered, we rested and played. Now we are strong and want to use our energy to get many things done.”

“I commend your energy and enthusiasm. You have learned how to grow the Force within you.  But now you must learn to focus your energy so you are not scattering it about and diffusing your power.  Multitasking is deceiving, you may feel like you are accomplishing a lot, but you are behind schedule and nothing is getting done well.  This is draining your Force and you didn’t even realize it.”

More About Multitasking

Here is a series of articles about multitasking that I enjoyed reading.  The articles are from a website I just discovered called, The Second Act, by Tessa Ivascu, a French journalist and professional development teacher. I hope you enjoy them and find some useful tips.

The first three articles are short research reports that shows why multitasking is not a good idea.

How Multitasking Messes With Your Brain

How Multitasking Puts You Behind Schedule

How Multitasking Affects Driving, Learning, Aging

Here are two articles with solutions. They describe applications of mindfulness to help us reduce the amount of multitasking we do that is harmful.

Curb Multitasking By Practicing Mindfulness – You may know I am a fan of meditation and mindfulness. This is a simple description of how to do it.  “Just listen to that chatter in your mind, (that is different than thinking)”…

How Marcel Proust Found Mindfulness – And How You Can Find It Too – This is a fun article that describes examples of mindful thinking in passages of In Search of Lost Time, by Proust.

Friday Check-In

You know the drill, let us know how your week went in the comments below.  And, follow the comments and write to each other – it’s just more fun as a conversation!

If you didn’t get a chance to enjoy the end of January celebration party, head on over to the Spa by the Sea for writers and have a relaxing treatment or two. There has been quite a bit of high jinx happening at the spa.  You can also link to the websites of all the participants in #writerlbsOff. There is a lot of talent represented in this wonderful community!

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38 responses to “The Writer’s Life: Multitasking”

  1. The Writer’s Life – Depression & Creativity | Don't Fence Me In

    […] taking a much needed break from the War in Resolution Galaxy after getting burned out on too much multitasking. They are on furlough at the planet Seductious Scrumptiousionus for the long Valentine’s Day […]

  2. Deanna Schrayer

    Cynthia, and Anne, it sounds like we’ve got a good rivalry going here – therefore, I must say it again – GO COLTS! 🙂
    Cynthia, I know exactly what you mean about the 14 hour work days. I have to do that during budget time each year and it is no fun! Do make sure you’re eating well. Often, when we’re under so much stress, that will cause weight loss, so while it’s great that you’ve lost another 5 pounds (WTG!) I hope it’s not due to the stress.
    I’ve had a bad cold all weekend, and am being quite lazy this morning, but hope that I’m resting enough to be ready for the ball game tonight, (that’s my excuse anyway). 😉

  3. Shon Bacon

    Thanks to a friend I’ve been chatting with, I got back on the exercise movement this week. I had been sick most of January and when I wasn’t sick, I just didn’t have the energy or want to exercise, to be truthful. My friend told me to start small, but be consistent. She told me to take small chunks of time to get me moving again and to build from that, so for the last three days, I’ve been doing light cardio, and I have to admit, it’s been making me feel better to have accomplished SOMETHING.

    1. Anne Tyler Lord

      Hi Shon,

      So glad you are feeling better. Several of us were under the weather at times in January.

      I’ve been telling myself the same thing – start small and be consistent!

      Hang in there!

  4. Laura Eno

    Exactly, Sam! *wipes drool off her chin and shoves Jezebel behind her back*

  5. Laura Eno

    Mr Fluffy exacts a heavy price for his services…you might not want to go there. Just sayin’…

  6. Candice

    P.S. – WHO DAT!!!!!!!!!!!! GO SAINTS!!!

    COLTS = COUNT ON LOSING THE SUPERBOWL!!!

    Sorry, had to do it 🙂

  7. Candice

    So, I’ve been MIA from the Internet due to my overpacked schedule. Work is really killing me. I’ve been working 14 hours every single day. Hopefully, that doesn’t last much longer, since I haven’t had time for anything else. I haven’t really written anything lately, and haven’t had time to exercise. But I did buy some exercise tapes and found the power cord to my Wii, so even if it’s 9:30 or 10 at night, I am going to try to do SOMETHING.

    That being said, I’ve been VERY good with what I’ve been eating. I lost 5 more pounds, so I’m up to 11 total lbs. lost, 2% body fat lost, 1 pants size down, and 3 whole BMI points down (I got it under 30!). So, the weight loss is going well even outside of the not exercising. What’s good about the diet I’ve been doing is that you don’t really have to exercise to lose weight on it.

    I really hate being MIA because of work. I wish I could get a job that wasn’t so demanding, but the economy says no to that. *sigh*

    Oh well. Maybe Mr. Fluffy’s mind control can reach to my boss.

    1. Anne Tyler Lord

      Hi Candice,

      I’m so glad you were able to stop by with such a hectic work schedule! Just join in when you can. And, just be patient with yourself when you are under so much stress. Writing will always be there like a faithful lover waiting for your return.

      My goodness the weight is just melting away – Congrats!

      And, now that the Saints have beat the Vikings, I will switch to be cheering for the Saints. But I hope New Orleans will not go up in flames, that is all you need after the floods. I can imagine it will be quite a party though.

      Have a great weekend.

  8. David Masters

    Thank you for the articles on multi-tasking. I often find myself trying to do many things at once, then getting none of them finished.

    1. Anne Tyler Lord

      Hi David,

      Sorry I didn’t get a FridayFlash up this week. I’m glad you enjoyed the articles.

      Thanks for stopping by!

  9. Deanna Schrayer

    Tony, you’re doing great! You must be burning just enough calories by typing to keep your weight level, just keep writing. I do hope you get moving soon as I know how frustrating it can be to be made to sit still, or at least it is for me. It’s been several years since my last surgery, thank goodness, but it was one that put me in bed for eight straight weeks. I certainly hope I never have to go through that again!

    Anne, I hadn’t thought about posting a superbowl Sunday blog on DHA until I replied about cooking for it. I’m not sure what I’ll post, but yes, I will put something up, hopefully early tomorrow.
    I will email you about the medicine, (not something I like to talk about publicly). An important aspect of it though is to understand the difference between dependency and addiction. It took a long, long time for me to accept that I had to take medicine in order to function, and not just pain medicine. I’m very blessed to have a doctor who took the time to explain it to me, and helped me to overcome my fears of becoming addicted. Without going into the long explanation, the difference between dependency and addiction is that when your body is dependent on something, it really does need it to function properly, whereas, when you are addicted to something you will basically hold a gun to someone to get it. Does that make sense? This could easily become a long-winded debate, and I certainly hope it doesn’t, just for the sake of not wanting to cause anything negative at all in our caring community here, but I did want to address that since you asked about it.

    Thanks again, and I hope everyone has a fabulous, and as pain-free as possible, weekend!

    1. Anne Tyler Lord

      Yes, thank you – you are a great friend. I got it!

      And, can’t wait to see your recipes!!

  10. Tony Noland

    Check-in: I weigh exactly the same as I did before my surgery. I’ve been essentially immobile for the last 11 days, burning no more calories than a potted plant. I’m going to call that tolerable.

    My resolution was to start on this weight loss process in earnest once I got past the worst of the recovery period. I’m almost at that point now. When I can walk without drawing attention to myself, I’ll call that ready to begin.

    1. Anne Tyler Lord

      Hi Tony,

      I’m glad to see you are on the road to recovery! You had quite a time of it with this surgery.

      That is so funny – walk without drawing attention to myself – I really get that, having to bend forward and walk funny after my surgery last fall.

      I wish you a new spring in your step!!

  11. Deanna Schrayer

    I forgot to say – GO COLTS! I’m a big football fan, though I like college, (specifically SEC), more than NFL. But Peyton Manning, quarterback for the Colts, was the quarterback for our local college, UT Vols, so that’s really the only reason I’m a Colts fan. We always have a big feast on Superbowl Sunday, and I love cooking for it, mainly because I get to make all those snacks that we don’t have often. But, most of them are healthy at least. 😉

    1. Anne Tyler Lord

      Are you going to post anything special for Super Bowl on Deanna’s Happy Accidents?

  12. Deanna Schrayer

    Well, Anne knows, and probably everyone else knows, that I’ve been a bad, bad girl today. I’ve filled myself with a sugar overload big time and am starting to feel the crash coming on. sigh – I’m so weak when it comes to my sweets.
    Laura, and Cynthia, congratulations on that weight loss! Celebrate every little bit!
    I’m feeling a fibro flare coming on, which I’m sure the sugar overload didn’t help. We’ve had rain here all day and the temp is dropping quick with more snow expected this weekend. I am so sick of the snow and cold! The weather plays a big part in my fibro flares, unfortunately. However, I don’t want to be totally negative. I’ve done fairly well this week, considering all the challenges, the weather being but one. I’ve not written enough though and hope to remedy that this weekend.
    Yes, chronic pain and depression do seem to go hand-in-hand more often than not, but I think it’s logical. How could one be in that much pain and Not be depressed?! Sam, you’re not alone. I’m on the least amount of medication I’ve ever been now, and am still taking six different meds a day, one of them a pain medicine several times a day. I don’t like it, but hey I gotta get through the day somehow. I truly could not get out of the bed without it. I’ve just recently come to the point of accepting that instead of fighting it and being angry about it. We do what we gotta do.

    Thank you so much Anne for creating this community! It has been such a great help to me to know I have somewhere I can go to talk and know that everyone understands how I feel.
    And congratulations on sending that story out! That takes a lot of courage.

    1. Anne Tyler Lord

      Deanna,

      The sugar loading may be your body’s desperate, although misguided attempt to seek comfort from incoming pain? I think that happens to me.

      And, I definitely agree how bad pain gets in the rain and cold. The last two years have given me dreams of becoming a snow bird, to escape the northern cold in the winter months.

      I used to fight my condition too, but now I just accept it (on most days) and realize it is just a daily management chore that is part of who I am.

      I would love to know what pain meds you can take every day. Other than the advil/tylenol variety, I didn’t know there were any non-addictive pain meds you could take long term.

      I have a secret weapon that keeps my pain lower and gives me more sleep for about 2-3 weeks at a time, then I have to take breaks to not build up tolerance. It is actually a natural supplement that increases the GABA – calming neurotransmitter. My natural MD found it – he is a renegade and doesn’t mind experimenting. Glad he did.

      I wish we were all pain-free, but if we have to bear this burden, I’m glad we have found each other!

  13. Sam

    This week seems to have just been one thing after another for me. I managed to get a #fridayflash written, but that’s been the sum total of my creative output so far.

    I can sympathise with anyone in long-term pain, I have arthritis of the spine, and I’m not a stranger to depression either. That’s the first time I’ve stated the latter openly online, without the wonderful support of this group I doubt I would have felt able to do so.

    You are all really wonderful friends.

    1. Cynthia Schuerr

      Oh Sam, how wonderful that you felt able to share that with us. I am weaning myself off meds and that’s the first time I’ve acknowledge that, so I am right here with you. You know what they say about creative people. Aren’t we all supposed to be a little depressed?:-)
      You are awesome, Sam.

      1. Anne Tyler Lord

        Cynthia,

        I just read your comment to Sam, and all the comments I just wrote, I send to you and everyone else too.

        You are not too far off with the creative temperament. I have read extensively about this topic, it is of great interest to me. We all say we want more creativity, but then our society doesn’t value those that think that way. We predominately operate from the right brain, which hasn’t been part of our predominant culture. But, I think it should, and so does Daniel Pink and many others like him.

        There is a long cultural history of “crazy/insane”, depressed, addicted artists & writers. Some of it a misfit of their eccentricities with their societal expectations, and much of it was due to their personalities, gifts/talents & divergent thinking.

        But, I also believe that times are slowly changing and there is a new evolution of creative minds. Artists & writers that have personal struggles, but also have more of a community of others that are similar-minded with similar-temperaments, and we have more resources and supports for our physical & mental needs. Thank goodness that Twitter has connected so many of us who work in such isolation.

        As we share our great inner resources with each other, we can create this new culture of stronger creatives. My very first post on my website was a reprint of Integral Poetry by Paul Lonely In the stanza titled “Four” he coins the phrase “Sanity is the new crazy” when referring to the new culture of poets (and also writers/artists of all kinds). I like that and think of it often.

        I know we can do it, and we will keep trying until we can! In the meantime, we can have great fun and commune with each other!

      2. Sam

        Cynthia,

        Weaning yourself off the meds – yes, been there. At one point, some time ago, I counted up and found that I’d been on seventeen different meds (one after the other, not all at once!) and decided enough was enough. I’ve now gone the (legal) herbal route and find the action of medicinal herbs to be similar to prescription meds, though much more gentle and balanced.

        Thanks for the support, I really appreciate it.

        1. Cynthia Schuerr

          I am happy to say that I only take 2 meds and one is for high blood pressure. The other is Prozac which is what I’m weaning from. It’s only 20 mg. and when it was prescribed to me, I’m not even sure if it should have been. I had been a caregiver for both my mom and dad, who each had a stroke withing 6 mo. of each other. I had only three grandchildren at the time. My heart wanted to be a Grandma and spend as much time with them as I could and make an impact on their lives. I wanted them to know that I was there for them and my children. I wasn’t able, because of the huge commitment of caring for my parents.(who wouldn’t be depressed)
          I was feeling down and slowly gaining weight and just not myself anymore. I felt like I fell into a black hole and the only light I saw was a tiny dot when I looked up. My doctor said he didn’t have a magic wand but, handed me a prescription for Prozac instead. He said I was in the sandwich generation, where there were aging parents on one end and adult children with grandchildren on the other. I really didn’t want to be put on drugs, but he assured me, that all would be right with the world. So I took them. I don’t know if they helped or not. Maybe they took the edge off a bit. I have been taking them for about 7 yrs and my goal is to be med free. Losing weight and walking will help with my B/P. So hopefully, I won’t need those either, at some point.
          It’s quite a journey, isn’t it? I would love to hear more about the natural herbal remedies.

          1. Anne Tyler Lord

            Cynthia,

            I cared for my parents for many years before their death. They died one year apart during the same year I had my twins. And, much of their intensive care was needed when I was in grad school. So I can relate to the overwhelming stress of the caretaker – I was only in my late 20s and early 30s. It is very hard to take care of yourself when you are needed by family members who are ill.

            Sam, it would be great if you could share what you do with herbal remedies in a private email. I am interested too. I know you guys in England are more advanced in your use of herbals and homeopathic meds, and I assume you had someone who was able to personalize your herbs to your situation. But I would still be interested in what you use. Herbs are also very powerful and need to be used with care.

          2. Sam

            I think what tipped me over the edge was my Grandfather being rushed into hospital the day we were moving house. Sadly he passed around six weeks later and I was made redundant a couple of months later.

            Yes, I know my way around Prozac and have had much the same reaction as you. I prefer St John’s Wort as it has broadly the same action, but for me at least, seems much more gentle on the system. Add in some Vervain and Lime Flowers, and maybe a bit of Valerian when things are really bad, and there’s a wonderfully calming herbal tea for depression.

            I hope that helps, though I ought to mention I am not a qualified medical herbalist, this is just what has been beneficial to me.

    2. Anne Tyler Lord

      Wow Sam,

      You are brave to talk about your challenges. We all are. And, you are not alone! We all care for you and we all have challenges. We are all here to support each other through our struggles and celebrate the victories that we experience in the midst of them.

      You are another great example of thriving in the midst of challenges with pain & depression – which I personally believe are inextricably linked – our bodies in pain are sending those signals, our nervous system feels pain is reacting to it appropriately. It is just something we wish wouldn’t work so well. You are writing, caring for your family, getting up each day to deal with the day, and all with pain & challenges. Remember to celebrate the small wins – they are actually much bigger than you think.

      I speak to all of our great community members here – never feel like there is something wrong with admitting depression, especially when you have chronic pain conditions. And, I think we would be hard pressed to find anyone who hasn’t experienced depression in some form, for some length of time. BTW – it is amazing how many writers go thought depression cyclically.

      And, as I have said many time, we are all here for each other and we really do care. The more you reach out, the more we can support you.

      1. Sam

        Anne,

        Thanks to you and the rest of the crew here – your support and friendship means a lot to me. There is still a certain stigma surrounding the “D” word over here, despite publicity campaigns, etc. so usually it’s just easier not to mention it.

        I agree, pain and depression are linked, to my way of thinking anyway. I have also become increasingly aware of just how many of my creatively-minded friends are fellow sufferers.

        It’s so wonderful to have a supportive group of people who understand.

        You guys are awesome! 🙂

        1. Laura Eno

          There’s the same stigma here, so don’t feel all alone. Many creative people walk that thin line. I have managed to retain both of my ears though.
          This group feels very supportive to me, as well.

          1. Sam

            Thanks Laura. What gets me is the stigma that casts all us depressed people as either dangerously psychotic, or drooling catatonic basket-cases.

            As I said to someone once, just because I have depression doesn’t mean I can’t string a sentence togrether!

            That’s another reason why I’m honoured to be part of such a supportive group.

  14. Cynthia Schuerr

    Hi Everyone,

    I agree with you, Laura. Anne has put so much time into #writerlbsoff for us. And always maintains a bright and sunny outlook, even through the fibro ills. I feel for both of you with that pain.

    My week has been very busy with a little bit of everything. First article up at Examiner.com, writing two book reviews for my blog and a local newspaper. Trying to get something ready to submit to Soft Whispers and bread baking and babysitting.

    I need to focus on updating my blog more often. I keep saying it, but just can’t seem to fit it in as I would love to.

    I at least, have kept up my walking, either inside or out. Weight loss this week, 1/2 lb. Not so good, but I’ll take it and hope to do better with my eating throughout next week.

    Who is watching the Superbowl on Sunday? Saints or Colts? Getting together with family and friends at my daughters home for this event. I’m not a major football fan, but I enjoy the hype, LOL! I will watch my food intake. There will be plenty.

    Love ya’ll 🙂

    1. Anne Tyler Lord

      Hi Cynthia,

      You have quite a nice list of writing accomplishments this week! Congrats on beginning the Examiner! That takes a lot of commitment, and you will surely do well!

      I saw your tweets about the bread baking, so perfect for this cold snowy weather. And, I hope you had a great time babysitting – looks like you have gotten your relaxing and play time in!

      I think I will have to go with the Saints, New Orleans needs a boost. I’m not a sports fan, but my husband has strangely begun to take an interest in it the last couple months, for the first time in our almost 24 year marriage. I am attributing this weird behavior to Mr. Fluffy’s mind control.

      I love your poems at Soft Whispers – very touching. I have been thinking about joining you all over there, looks like a good time.

      Thanks for kind words, much appreciated!

    2. Candice

      Well, SAINTS, of course!!!!! (For those of you who may not know, I live in New Orleans, and I’m a Saints season ticket holder). I think the city just might burst into flames if they win.

  15. Laura Eno

    This week went well. I actually lost a couple of pounds!
    I maintained a schedule of 25 minutes a day on the treadmill each day. I’m learning not to view that as dismal. (Until last April I was a Tai Chi INSTRUCTOR!) I’m slowly learning how to live with Fibro and depression and take my life back.
    This group is helping so much. You’re all very supportive. You put so much time into this, Anne!
    Jezebel gives you a wiggle! 😉

    1. Cynthia Schuerr

      Laura, you go get that life back, girl. It is yours! And remember you deserve to be happy, not depressed.

    2. Anne Tyler Lord

      Hi Laura, and Jezebel (you look really cute when you wiggle),

      What a great week you had! I would love to learn Tai Chi, have wanted to for quite awhile.

      Fibro, and the often close partner of depression, are not very happy companions. But I’m glad you are coming along and that this group is helping you out too. I really appreciate everyone who has come on this journey together.

      I am there with you through the daily struggles with pain & fatigue that effects our entire being. Just knowing you and Deanna are here going through the same things, and that other members are struggling to deal with chronic or acute conditions – shows all of us that we have the commitment to keep going and thrive in the midst of difficult challenges. Let’s all hang in there, we are NOT alone.

  16. Anne Tyler Lord

    Hello Everyone,

    I hope you had a good week. Mine was fairly uneventful, which I consider good. I experienced one of my regular episodes of chemical toxicity and fibro follow-up, just for trying to live like a normal human being and go out to a store (IKEA). But sometimes I want to get out and go places, darn it!

    This has been a maintaining week for me, keeping the creative flow going. I got a lot of writing done. I wrote my first horror flash piece. I don’t know if that is progress, or not -hehe. @karenfrommentor was kind enough to edit for me, so I was brave enough to actually submit it to an online mag. I hadn’t planned to do that for several months, so that was a total surprise. I think I was possessed.

    We are still struggling to get out of the teens in terms of temps and have about a foot of snow with an ice covering. I had to work out my arms to scrape off ice from the car this week – my outdoor exercise. Indoors I continue my regular.

    I didn’t get to the vegetable recipe creativity, I was too obsessed with writing – will try again this week. Am having a wonderful time with regular storytelling times with my kids – we make it all up & it is fun times for all!

    1. Cynthia Schuerr

      Anne, I love the War in Resolution Galaxy story. So darn awesome!
      Thank you for the very helpful links on multitasking.

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