Always Something To Do

By Karen McNew
WSLS10 Anchor
Published: February 25, 2008

A beautiful day like today is a reminder of how great it is to walk outside with a lightweight jacket.. to walk the dog without tears created by strong cold wind streaming down your face.

Every time we get to the top of one of these weather rollercoasters I think.. almost there… almost to spring… to the warm sunshine that makes everything look so pretty and vibrant.. my mom says we don’t have seasons anymore and there are times when I think she is right.

I ran 5 miles on dinner break and the weather was perfect for it.  The loop we take winds through Wiley Drive and ultimately weaves through the downtown market area.  As we pass restaurants with people warm and cozy dining inside.. I think to myself.. this is making me stronger.. not just physically but emotionally and mentally. 

I mentioned in my last blog that I thrive on productivity.  That carries over into every area of my life.  I love my job.  I love taking care of things at home - today before work I went to the YMCA - stopped by CVS for a prescription - grocery shopped and made dinner for my husband and I.  I make the dinner pack it for eating here at the station and leave a portion for him at home so it is ready when he gets in from work.

But, multitasking isn’t always good for us. 

My latest Consumer Reports on Health says, “Researchers as the University of Michigan and the Federal Aviation Administration have found that working on several tasks at the same time can take two to four times longer than if you try tackling them one after the other.”

t goes on to say, “Brain-scan studeies help explain why: When you try to do two or more things at once, your brain constantly switches back and forth between the tasks, a less efficient use of your neurons.  Sleep loss, stress and mood disorders can worsen the problem.”

Here’s to a little relaxation during those tasks whether all at once or one at a time.