I've been having a hard time focusing on things for a couple of weeks now. When I read something, there would be times that I have to start over 'cause I wasn't able to understand what I was reading. Happens on audiovisuals too! Right after a 30 minute aid finishes, I'd be somehow clueless of what I've just listened to and realized that I have unconsciously thought of a different thing while listening to it. Things like this happens, yes. But mine happens FREQUENTLY and it's not doing any good.

Thoughts came to me while I was doing this palipad ng utak awhile ago. Here are the things I've observed that have already become very common to me: stays infront of the laptop while eating, blow-dries hair while listening to podcast, fixes things while watching TV and uses phone while walking. I realized that I was having this habit of MULTITASKING and thought maybe that's the reason behind these things. Well, I was right. Got so alarmed I even googled it. Lack of focus, memory impairment and increase stress levels are some of it's negative effects. Multitasking people tend to have a more difficult time tuning out distractions and also reduces 40 percent of their productivity. (By the way, I'm having this urge of clicking the Facebook tab above since it's blinking with notifications. But since I find it a form of distraction I'm not gonna entertain it until I finish this.) 

I wasn't aware of this until I noticed it's already affecting my routines and how I live life. How it took so much of my time, I could have done more things. So let me end this with these tips I found to stop this bad habit. (You could follow these if you're experiencing the same thing.) Here it goes:

• Write down things-to-do: Learn to know what your priorities are. When new ideas come up, jot it down and go back to your original task.
  

• Limit the distractions: Tell your friends, family or whoever when you are busy so they could leave you alone as you do stuff. Set hours for your availability, letting them speak with you about issues or whatever. Keep yourself attached to the seat until the job is done. Reward yourself with that personal phone call or cup of coffee instead of breaking off for every individual desire.
  

• Use a mantra: Remind yourself of a simple phrase while you are doing a task. ‘I will get this done’ or a phrase of your choosing should be used repeatedly. Push yourself into finishing the job by emphasizing the importance of its completion. After all, once it’s done, it’s done.

• Snap your fingers: When you feel yourself straying, snap your fingers. You might be drawn to the email. You might want to start on that report which is due in a few days. It can wait until you’re done.
  

• Keep your desk clear: Out of sight, out of mind. Remove items for your next task from your desk. This will keep you completely aware of the task at hand, rather than allowing your mind to drift to more of your daily chores.
  

• Make the decision: Make the conscious decision to do a task. Say to yourself, “I am doing this (task) now.” Repeat the statement each time that you feel yourself straying from the original goal and intention. This trains your brain to cut the extraneous and get to work.
  

 
REMEMBER: Do two or more things simultaneously, and you'll do none at full capacity.

Hooray to a well spent day! Who would've thought traveling alone in a foreign country can be this exciting? Nihongo skills were put to test as well since people here can only speak a little of English. But it was really fun though! I love how the trains come on time, how accessible EVERYTHING is and how neat the places are. Long story short I enjoyed the day and looking forward to have another trip somewhere far away! Hihi. You can check out pictures I've taken below. :D

 My destination for tomorrow! I haven't been there YET but since I feel like being the "Dora the explorer" of Japan, I felt the urge to try something new again. Yay! (Excited) Will surely be posting pictures of this so called Adventure tomorrow. Let's all call it a night then! Goodnight and be sure not to let the bed bugs bite! :* 

   Yesterday felt so gloomy, I was crying hard as soon as I woke up. Weird eh? Negative thoughts just bubbled up for some reason. It was the worst feeling ever. I didn't even know who to talk to 'cos people seem to be so busy with their own lives and I might just irritate them or whatever. (Certified emo. -.-) Well it had a fun part though. In the midst of my emotional burst, a sudden thought of reading the Bible came to me. And so I immediately did. While reading, I came to this part where it says:

   "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:24).

   It seriously felt like someone was scolding me for being depressed the whole time. So I was like.. "Sorry naman po." While wearing this child-like smile on my face. Believe me, right after I read the whole chapter, I felt better. In an instant everything changed! The dreary feeling was gone. It was so amusing words can't articulate!

   Well have you read your Bible lately? Let's see what He has to say to you. :)