One Thing at a Time

This is one of my favourite mindfulness exercises. The best part? It is quite easy to do.

I find this exercise especially helpful as a highly sensitive person because my mind likes to think a lot, and with that, think deeply. This means that I will often be washing the dishes and also thinking about what is coming up in my work week. Or, I will be gardening and also thinking about my relationships. Or… my all time favourite… I will be in the shower, and also thinking about the conversation I had three weeks ago with my friend’s coworker’s brother’s wife... okay, big exaggeration, but I know there will be some of you who can relate! This is where one thing at a time comes in. It is exactly what it sounds like: only do one thing at a time. This means that when you are washing dishes, only wash the dishes. When you are gardening, only garden. And when you are showering…. just shower!

It can also apply when you are performing two activities at once. For example: watching a show with your partner and also playing a game on your phone, or sitting on your porch to enjoy the sunset while also deleting old emails. Yes, helpful at times, but taking moments to just do one thing is going to assist your mind and body to relax a bit more. This is especially true when you are highly sensitive and overstimulation can happen quite quickly. Try it. Give your nervous system a rest and repeat the mantra: one thing at a time.