Hello Reader

I was paying for parking the other day using one of the parking apps. I double checked the parking location code, time, which car I selected, etc and I realised that I miss walking upto a parking machine, getting the ticket and placing it on the dashboard. It was easier - far less things to consider and far less ways to make a mistake. I hear from so many people about the parking fines they get because they input a wrong number on the parking location. And they cannot appeal it. It is as if the world does not allow us to make as many mistakes and a single "simple" mistake can be quite costly in regards to money, time, stress and even peace of mind.

There are just so many other complexities in life these days. Science has advanced so much, but so has misinformation. Relying on social media or AI for health advice can be so dangerous. For example, did you know that taking turmeric supplement long-term can cause liver damage? Most supplements should not be taken long-term, especially without adequate testing measures in place as well.

As complex as health is, keeping health simple has always been one of my core values that I have held since I first qualified in Ayurveda. Did you know that I qualified in Ayurveda before Nutrition? And I qualified in Yoga before Ayurveda?

I am known for taking complex ideas and being able to simplify them down.

Therefore, before I go into the one key way to simplify your life, I wanted to invite you to join Varsha's Health Journal. This is where I break down complex health information in regards to women's health and turn it into actionable steps. I share with you real ways to improve your health and wellbeing that is backed by Ayurveda AND science. It is all real information based upon my knowledge, years of experience, studying, and research. Check it out here:

Now if you really want to support healthier cortisol levels and feel more at ease with yourself, then all you need to do is stop multi-tasking. Focusing on one task at a time is a form of mindfulness. When you live in the moment, you are living mindfully.

Have you ever gone back to double check you locked your front door because you doubt whether or not you have? If you were distracted or thinking about other things whilst locking your door, you just do not remember doing it. Living in the moment is easier said than done. However, it can be easily adapted by making one simple change.

Wherever you go, you see people multi-tasking. I have seen people cross roads without looking whilst they are looking at their phones. Phone and technology are probably one of the biggest distractions. I make a conscious effort to not check my phone as much when my kids are around, because phones can prevent us from giving our undivided attention to others. In fact, even on my laptop, I have most notifications silenced, so I do not know when every email comes through.

It is true that the brain does not technically multi-task in the way we often think it does. What happens instead is called "task-switching," where the brain rapidly shifts its attention between tasks. This gives the illusion of multitasking, but in reality, it can be less efficient than focusing on one task at a time. Something I talk more about in my book.

Each time you switch between tasks, your brain needs a moment to adjust and reorient itself, which can lead to slower performance and reduced accuracy. This process, called "switching cost," can actually make it harder to perform both tasks effectively, as cognitive resources are divided, leading to potential errors or missed details.

Here are a few common daily examples where people often multitask:

1. Using a phone while walking or crossing the road
2. Watching TV while eating
3. Listening to a podcast or music while working (although instrumental, relaxing, and classical music are shown to boost productivity and concentration)
4. Texting or using a phone while having conversations in real life
5. Driving while talking on the phone even if it is hands free
6. Cooking while checking emails or browsing the internet
7. Eating lunch at your desk while working
8. Checking social media whilst still relaxing in bed
9. Eating or drinking on the go
10. Doing online shopping whilst on a work call

Although multi-tasking can appear to be efficient, it does come with potential side-effects or even serious consequences.

Focusing on a single task is a form of mindfulness, as it involves being fully present and engaged with what you’re doing. Living in the moment also means not being preoccupied with the past or future, but instead immersing yourself in the current experience. By concentrating on one activity at a time, you naturally tune in to what is happening around and within you, fostering a sense of peace, awareness, and contentment.

We live in a world that encourages and sometimes even rewards constant distractions. Therefore, single-tasking can be a way of embracing a more intentional and mindful lifestyle.

Living in the moment requires you to pay attention to yourself and to your environment. It means looking up and not looking down. Show interest and be curious about your surroundings. Put your phone away, and pick it up only if it is necessary. Very few, and I mean very few, people need to check their phones between parking their car and walking into their office. Nobody needs to check a phone when crossing the road.

Have a think about the times that you are multi-tasking and see how you can start to adapt your lifestyle to focus on one thing at a time.

Health & Happiness,

Varsha

P.S. If you would like more guided advice and actionable steps, be sure to sign up for Varsha's Health Journal​