ds for Motorcyclists
With our phones always on standby, we’re more easily distracted than ever. Then there are also interruptions by coworkers or family members, emails or instant messages that divert our attention, household chores that will “only take a minute,” coffee breaks, and daydreams. Constant distraction hurts us more than we realize, creating a feedback loop of inattention. It’s time we understand what all this multitasking is doing to our minds and figure out how to break the cycle. No matter how good you think you are at it, multitasking doesn’t exist. What we’re really doing is called task-switching. Our brains can concentrate on only one thing at a time, and the quicker we go back and forth between tasks, the less we pay attention, and the more likely we are to make mistakes. Even worse, research says it takes us a whopping 23 minutes to regain our concentration after being interrupted. But what can you do? If you’ve ever been on a diet, you know that willpower has its limits. Simply promising you won’t check your email or phone rarely results in long-term success. But if technology is a big part of the problem, it can also be part of the solution. Try putting your email or phone notifications on silent. Or, consider a website blocker to keep you off distracting websites and an app that will lock distracting features on your phone. Low-tech solutions like a “do not disturb” sign and putting your phone in another room can also help. And mental tricks can still have their place. You probably tend to become productive when you’ve got a deadline crunch, and there’s a reason for that. Tasks have a way of stretching out unnecessarily when we don’t have to follow any restrictions. So, make some! Determine how much time you need to complete a task, and then don’t allow yourself anymore. Ask a colleague for help staying accountable. You’ll be amazed at how much you get done. Though we each have to fight our own battles, this isn’t entirely our fault. Popular apps make billions of dollars by sucking our attention away from everything else, so we’re automatically at a disadvantage. And there may be even more than meets the eye. If you have difficulty concentrating, stress could be the underlying culprit. Get that under control, and distractions might suddenly lose some of their allure. OVERCOMING INATTENTION STRATEGIES TO FIGHT DISTRACTION
The Charles County Loop Along the Potomac River If a shorter trip is more of what you had in mind, the Charles County Loop in Maryland is a 56-mile rural ride. The views along the Potomac are fabulous, and you’ll find many areas to stop to rest and take in nature’s beauty. The roads have recently been paved, and because there are many twists and turns, this route isn’t recommended for beginners. Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park in Virginia provide great routes to travel on top of mountains and through deep
valleys with plenty to see along this 100- mile trek. The route has four entry and exit points, allowing you to customize your trip, and you’ll find many areas to stop to rest, enjoy the scenery, and grab a bite to eat.
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Easy Vegan Baked Beans
Inspired by NoraCooks.com
July is National Baked Beans Month, and you don’t need bacon to celebrate this iconic side dish! This plant-based version will be a crowd-pleaser at your next vegan barbecue.
Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar • 1 1/2 tbsp vegan Worcestershire sauce • 2 tsp Sriracha • 4 15-oz cans navy beans, drained and rinsed • 1/2 tbsp liquid smoke (optional)
• 1 yellow onion, chopped • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 3/4 cup molasses • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 3/4 cup ketchup • 3/4 tsp salt
Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. 2. In a large pot over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. 3. Add all of the remaining ingredients except the beans into the pot. Mix the sauce well, then stir in the beans. 4. Ladle the beans into a 9x13-inch pan and bake for 1 hour. Serve warm and enjoy!
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