If your body was a computer, would it be receiving lots of “error” messages? Is it beginning to run slower and take longer to “start?” Perhaps you’re trying to run too many programs at the same time.

Treating Your Body Like a Computer: Troubleshooting Tips

If you’re operating less efficiently because there are too many activities making demands on your system, shut down some programs. Some examples include:

• If time is tight, rather than make a special company dinner from “scratch,” invite people for a potluck meal.
• No time to work out AND fix your hair afterwards ... get a new hairstyle or cover your hair with some type of interesting headgear. Who knows ... you might start a whole new product line!

You may actually accomplish more if you don’t try to do it all accomplish several things at the same time. Researchers, such as Earl Miller, PhD., Massachusetts Institute of Technology Picower professor of neuroscience, are finding that multi-tasking can be less efficient than doing one task at a time, especially if the tasks are more complex. "Switching from task to task, you think you're actually paying attention to everything around you at the same time. But you're actually not," says Miller.
Consider scheduling tasks for separate times, for example:

• Alternate cooking days with workout days. Cook ahead on cooking days, freeing up time on your workout days.
• Plan a casserole or stew that can cook while you do yoga or take a walk.

If you do multi-task, combine a task that doesn’t demand as much input from your system as the other task. Here are two possible examples:

• Work out on a treadmill while watching TV.
• Listen to music while cooking.

Now that you’ve finished eliminating or shutting down a few programs, reboot your body and enjoy the benefits!

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