Multitasking
Society today almost requires us to multitask - all of the time - and most of us pride ourselves in being great multitaskers. It's in most of employee descriptions as one of requirements when applying for a new job and I am even multitasking while trying to write this blogpost. But multitasking is as unhealthy to try and do as it is physically impossible. Yes - you’re reading that right - it’s actually impossible for your brain to consciously do two tasks at the same time. It can switch from one task to another, really fast, and you can also do two things unconsciously - like performing a routine task such as driving and talking at the same time. But this is very tiring for your brain and unhealthy if done in excess.
Numerous studies show that multitasking can raise stress levels and blood pressure - which in the long run can have permanent effects on the brain. It’s shown that multitaskers are more susceptible to distractions and have to use more of their brain to complete a task - ultimately leading to being less efficient than if they were to focus on completing one task at a time. Moreover people that multitask are said to be more susceptible to depression and anxiety - which is what we’re trying to avoid. And last but not least: multitasking is said to prevent you from storing information in your long term memory, so you’ll process information but will forget it just as fast.
So what to do instead?
Schedule your tasks: spend up to 20 min (or until finished) of full focus on a single task before moving to the next.
Schedule set times to check your mail instead of the whole day through.
Turn off phone alerts: this will make it less likely that you feel compelled to check your phone while performing a task.
Declutter your space: messy spaces are a distraction.
When eating: whether in company or not - do it with no screens.
When watching TV/movies: watch them in a foreign language. Having to pay attention to the subtitles will keep you focused on what you’re watching (instead of looking at your phone all the time;) + you might learn a new word or two.
When in company: enjoy your time together. Everything else can wait for an hour or two.
Still not convinced you should lessen your multitasking?
Here’s another good read on it.
Happy single tasking!