You have a deadline, your phone is ringing, and you have time to do a load of laundry before your next meeting.
Does this sound chaotic or normal? Many of us know the dangers of multitasking, yet we struggle to stop. The prospect of simultaneous productivity is alluring. Since we only have so much time and so much to do, we’re constantly busy. Why not give in and do everything at once?
Multitasking is feasible. Many of us assume we’re better than we are. If we want to accomplish everything, we need to know when to multitask and when to focus.
Our efficiency and productivity goals don’t have to be abandoned. We must rethink productivity and efficiency.
We’ve all been there. Why not undertake two (or more) things that can be done simultaneously? If we don’t give in, we’ll keep thinking about it.
Most people define multitasking as completing many activities at once. This is a fallacy since the human brain is limited in its capacity. Multitasking—switching quickly between tasks—is harder than we assume.
Our brain doesn’t multitask when we tackle two difficult things at once, according to neuroscience study. It quickly changes between the two jobs. Even when we think we’re doing both well, we’re using up working memory. This job switching reduces our observation and increases our mistake rate.
Multitasking is known to reduce productivity. A Stanford University neurologist found that task switching reduces productivity by 40%.
We concentrate on pertinent information and dismiss irrelevant inputs thanks to executive control in the prefrontal cortex. Young folks multitask better than older ones since this skill fades with aging.
Multitasking with various media devices is very harmful to work performance. Switching costs—a 5-15% cognitive efficiency drop—occurs when individuals switch tasks.
Multitasking also leads individuals to lose sight of their progress, which slows job completion. Despite small interruptions, studies demonstrate that tasks take longer to finish. Another research found that distracted workers took 25 minutes to recover.
No, multitasking hurts productivity and well-being. We’re less productive and more stressed. We’re worried, impatient, and irritated instead of confident.
There are several multitasking combinations, some of which are dangerous. Multitasking while cleaning dishes might drive you to finish unpleasant jobs. But this works because the cognitive strain for diverse activities doesn’t compete.
Juggling chores that demand rapid response time or careful concentration might be dangerous. Tenths of a second may not matter while cleaning dishes, but they might make all the difference when driving.
Because we overestimate our multitasking skills, setting guidelines about which things need your undivided focus helps. I listen to music or audiobooks while driving since they demand no involvement. I rapidly realized that listening to foreign language instruction or accepting a phone call had distinct cognitive loads.
You may first feel like you’re losing out by focusing on one task. However, focusing on one work may boost productivity and well-being.
The advantages of single-tasking
- As indicated, multitasking requires tremendous cognitive effort. The brain is happy when it doesn’t have to multitask since it wasn’t made to. After getting beyond the anxiety of not being productive enough, you’ll love the focus.
- Focusing on one item speeds up work completion. As every productivity fanatic knows, the true victory is checking the job off your list. Is there anything more satisfying?You’ll gain confidence and momentum by finishing things. Working all day on many jobs and not finishing any is one of the most annoying things.
- Mistakes rise dramatically while multitasking. Focusing on one job reduces errors. Error reduction improves completion times and flow state. Single-tasking boosts productivity easily.
- One of the mysteries of meditation is not emptying your thoughts. Mindfulness is most useful when you learn to stay focused.Consider single-tasking mindfulness. Every time you avoid checking your phone or starting a new project, you improve your attention. This practice improves creativity and job happiness.
4 methods to escape multitasking trap
Believe the science:Researchers are quite sure multitasking isn’t worth the few perks. Overcoming personal and social temptation to achieve more at once is difficult. Learning the truth about productivity might help you resist. It may be awkward at first, especially if your workplace encourages multitasking. But the rewards justify it.
Practice mindful rituals:Rituals aid concentration. Setting up routines for when you want to sit down and work helps teach your brain to concentrate. You may take a deep breath and think about your goals for the day for 30 seconds as you sit down at your desk. When working, you may play a playlist. Adding a simple routine may help concentration.
Pass on:Delegate wherever possible—you can’t do everything. This will give you more time to concentrate on other things. I love the saying “do the things that only you can do.” It helps me prioritize. Not everyone can tell my kids bedtime stories, but anybody can do my clothes.Take stock of your day and prioritize tasks only you can complete. List all daily tasks. Continue with a timeframe for each job. If it must be done but might be done quicker or better, outsource it.
Get enough rest:Peak performance requires good recharging. Switching jobs and accomplishing many tasks quickly requires energy. Before starting a new cognitive activity, replenish your batteries to optimize the benefits of single-tasking.These pauses are short, but they help your brain recover before switching jobs. You may meditate, listen to music, stretch, or take a snack. Walking outdoors boosts endorphins, oxygenates your brain, gives modest exercise, and time away from the computer, making it a great method to refresh.