Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially those who have adjusted to the work culture in this expat city, have become accustomed to multi-tasking to get as many workloads done as possible.
But does it really work?
Anne Bernadette D. Bonita, an expert in memory improvement who has represented the Philippines in various memory sports competitions, thinks otherwise. She actually recommends not to do it.
“Avoid multitasking,” Bonita said. “Focusing on one thing at a time actually makes you more efficient. When you try to do several tasks at the same time, it prevents you from concentrating well on each task. This can result to making mistakes or errors along the way,” she further explained.
Bonita, who recently gave a lecture entitled, “Sharpen Your Memory: Unlock Your Brain’s Hidden Potential” at the ongoing 45-minute free Zoom weekly live stream series dubbed, “Opportunity for Filipino Workers” (OFF Workers), said one instead needs to be focused on the task at hand and do it one at a time
Meantime, most OFWs also plan for early retirement.
To this end, Bonita, president of the Philippine Mind Sports Association and Founder of The Brain Republic Inc., advised that they keep their mind working even while on retirement – solving crossword puzzles can help, she said.
“Do not dream of early retirement, where you will just completely relax for the most part of your day,” Bonita said.
“It can actually be counterproductive and may cause immediate mental deterioration. You can train your brain by exercising it just like any other muscle in your body.
“Older people can keep their mind healthier by doing physical exercises, engaging in business or activities that will require them to think or analyze, or even by solving puzzles or brain games. In giving it extra protection, just remember the saying ‘Use it or Lose it,’” she said.
Bonita, who also touched on being absentminded, said forgetfulness is a part of normal ageing process and that there is a difference between being forgetful and Alzheimer’s disease.
“Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks,” she said.
On the other hand, she added, “age-related memory lapses have little impact on your daily performance and ability to do what you want to do.”
“When your forgetfulness or memory loss have become so pervasive and severe that it disrupts your work, hobbies, social activities, and family relationships, you may be experiencing the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease, or another disorder that causes dementia,” she cautioned.
The OFF Workers live stream is held twice-weekly, every Friday and Sunday starting at 1pm UAE time. This has been slated to culminate in a week-long trade fair in October this year, organizers said.
Nineteen sessions with each facilitated by 19 resource people will be held.
The topics are:
- Leadership & Entrepreneurship
- E-Commerce
- Freelancing
- Personal & Visual Branding
- Sales, Persuasion & Marketing
- Facebook Ads & Email Marketing
- Website development
- Productivity
- Mindsets as well as mental health and strength
The first sessions kicked off last week June 18.
Registration is free at https://bit.ly/3glv6iGVisit https://www.facebook.com/OFFWonline for more information
