You just quickly check your e-mails while sipping your coffee and preparing the last things you need to take to work with you today.
By the time you finish your drink, you’ll have already forgotten half of what you’ve just read.
Sound familiar, eh?
But, how is that possible? You just wanted to be productive and get a few things done, because there are only so many hours in a day.
If you struggle with mental exhaustion and are lacking the ability to focus, you will want to keep reading.
Let’s explore what happens inside your brain when you multitask, and why multitasking kills productivity.
Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.
Why Multitasking Kills Productivity
We have so much on our minds, so many tasks on our to-do lists. Constant distractions through e-mails, messages, and pop-up notifications.
While you have a virtual meeting at work, you also try to work on a report or a presentation you need to finish.
It makes sense to do some of the things at the same time to get everything done faster, right?
Or doesn’t it?
Maybe you’ve been wrong all this time. Maybe you misunderstand how the brain works.
I certainly have been wrong until I stumbled across the cognitive science behind multitasking. That’s why I’m so excited to share this with you today.
The Myth of Multitasking
Did you know that the human brain is not able to focus on multiple high-level tasks simultaneously?
When you do two or more tasks at the same time, all your brain does is switch from one task to another at high speed.
This is a total overload to your brain.
Not only does it leave you mentally exhausted, but your performance declines as your brain continually gets interrupted.
Suddenly, the brain has to stop what it was doing in that moment to then focus on another task.
As Anne-Laure Le Cunff, neuroscientist, simply puts it in her book “Tiny Experiments” (which I’m reading at the moment):
In short, our efforts to get more done actually slow us down.
Cognitive Overload
Task-switching breaks your flow, especially when you perform deep thinking tasks like writing, problem-solving, or strategic planning.
While you think you save time by doing things simultaneously, you actually lose time. It takes your brain about 15-20 minutes to get back into a productive mental state after having been interrupted.
Leading researcher at the University of Michigan and psychologist, Dr. David Meyer, found out that multitasking can cost as much as 40% of someone’s productive time.
Sounds pretty unproductive, right?
Attention Is Limited
You need to realize that attention is a finite resource.
Another book I’m currently reading is ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow‘ by Daniel Kahneman. In his masterpiece, he explains how spending your attention on one task makes you have less available for others.
That’s why he describes attention as a kind of mental currency.
Negative Effects of Multitasking
Besides losing time, be aware of the following negative effects multitasking has on you:
- Decision fatigue
- Errors
- Reduced attention span
- Mental blocks
- Easily distracted
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Burnout
- Inefficiency
- Restlessness
- Impaired memory
After reading the downsides of multitasking, I’ve been working hard on myself not to do it anymore.
It isn’t easy, I have to admit. It’s a constant work in progress.
I just wish I knew about this sooner!
Mindful Productivity
It’s so tempting to multitask, and I think most of the time, we do it automatically.
We’re so used to being busy, being interrupted, and juggling many things at the same time.
In a way, it’s even expected of us, don’t you feel the same? People are so proud of themselves for how many things they can get done in a day, whether it’s at work or in their personal lives.
It’s not worth it, though! For the sake of our mental health, we need to unlearn this toxic productivity.
A Solution: Monotasking (or Single-Tasking)
First, you have to start with yourself.
Handle one thing at a time – monotask.
Resist the urge to do things simultaneously. Now you know that it doesn’t make sense anyway.
You actually get done less.
When I need to focus on work, I use the Pomodoro Technique and listen to the calming music on YouTube to put me in the right state of mind.
The Pomodoro-Technique
In case you haven’t heard about this technique before, it’s a time management method that breaks work into intervals (the so-called Pomodoros), followed by short breaks. There are different ones, such as:
- 25-minute work; 5-minute break
- 50-minute work; 10-minute break, etc.
I find this technique super helpful, and it calms me right down.
Other things you can do to help your brain focus on one task at a time:
- Time-blocking (be aware to block the time for just 1 task)
- Turning off notifications on your phone
- Closing open tabs on your computer
- Mindfulness meditation (get some more mindful activities here)
- Journaling (I started with these simple beginner journal prompts)
Single-Tasking As The New Superpower
Then educate people around you.
When someone interrupts you or wants you to get something done while you’re in the middle of another task, kindly let them know that you’ll be with them as soon as you have finished your task.
Or, if that isn’t possible, write down what you were working on so as not to lose your train of thought. That way, it’ll be easier to start where you left off.
Pushing back on people might feel awkward and selfish at first, but you’ll soon notice how refreshing it is. I also find that you receive more respect when you stand up for yourself and clearly communicate your boundaries.
It’s a bit like when you leave the house without makeup for the first time in ages and realize that no one really cares.
It becomes normal.
Multitasking Is Your Enemy
I actually find that people are becoming more aware of their emotional and mental well-being.
Lately, I’ve been paying attention to what people do when I walk through my local park. The ones who sit on benches simply enjoy the sun or read a book.
No phone, no rush, no business.
People are moving in the right direction, and I’m so happy to see that.
So, if you want to:
- Reclaim your focus
- Improve your mental state
- Deliver quality work
- Feel less stressed
- Remove brain fog
then drop multitasking, and focus on one task at a time. It’ll be your competitive advantage!
TL;DR:
- Multitasking doesn’t exist – it really is task-switching
- Each task switch drains your mental resources and the time you have
- The loss in time and accuracy can use up to 40% of your productive time
- Attention is a limited resource
- Multitasking increases stress, reduces focus, and impairs memory
- Multitasking is actually the opposite of being productive
- Use single-tasking as your competitive advantage
About The Author
Saskia is a mom, blogger, and freelance writer. She loves sharing tips on how to live a more positive and simple life through self-care, personal growth, and journaling.
Find out more about her or connect with her on Instagram to get more inspiration.
