Although some people may feel that they have honed multitasking skills effectively, research has shown that human brains are not designed to process multiple streams of information simultaneously.
In fact, multitasking can lead to cognitive overload, which can result in mistakes, decreased focus, and decreased efficiency.
Our ancestors multitasked within the necessities available at their time, but we live in a time where the opportunity and temptation to multitask abound.
Multitaskers have always been regarded as smart people as they can complete multiple tasks at the same time. But trouble brewing!
Humans cannot actually do without multitasking skills. The perceived and established negative effects of combining tasks depend on how tasking the task is to the brain.
Experts have suggested that multitasking can cause stress, anxiety, and burnout. Despite these negative effects, multitasking remains a common practice in many workplaces and personal lives.
In this article, we are going to look at multitasking skills, benefits, drawbacks, effects on the brain, and tips to multitask safely.
Meaning of Multitasking
Multitasking is the ability to perform multiple tasks at the same time or to switch rapidly between two or more tasks.
It has become a defining feature of our modern society, where people are constantly attempting to balance work, personal life, and technology.
Multitasking is often seen as a desirable skill to have, particularly in the workplace, where the ability to juggle, multiple tasks may lead to increased productivity and efficiency.
Organizations may demand that employees juggle multiple tasks simultaneously, or individuals may feel pressure to constantly check their phones or engage in other distractions.
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As technology continues to evolve and the pace of life continues to accelerate, it is likely that the practice of multitasking will continue to be a defining feature of modern society.
However, there is increasing evidence that multitasking actually reduces productivity and can have negative effects on the brain.
This buttresses the fact that the human brain is not good at handling many tasks at the same time and when you force it, your brain bears the brunt while your productivity suffers. This is revealed by a Stanford University study.
Importance of Multitasking in the Current Fast-paced World
Multitasking is an essential skill in the current fast-paced world because it enables individuals to manage their time more effectively and complete multiple tasks in a shorter amount of time.
With the advent of new technologies and the increasing demands of modern life, individuals are expected to be able to juggle multiple responsibilities simultaneously.
Whether it is managing work duties, household chores, family commitments, or personal goals, multitasking allows individuals to be more efficient and productive.
In many work environments, multitasking is also considered a critical competency, as it demonstrates one’s ability to meet deadlines, handle multiple projects, and work under pressure.
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Furthermore, in today’s interconnected world, multitasking has become an indispensable skill to navigate our fast-paced and constantly changing environment.
Multitasking can mean all of the following:
- Handling more than one task simultaneously
- Switching or going back and forth between tasks
- Having a mental exercise while at a task
The following are some reasons why multitasking is important in the current fast-paced world:
- Increases efficiency: It helps individuals to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, which leads to increased productivity and efficiency. This enables people to accomplish more in a shorter amount of time.
- Improves time management: By being able to perform multiple tasks, combining tasks can improve time management skills. Rather than focusing on one task, individuals can manage their time better, shifting their attention among different activities.
- Enhances adaptability: In a fast-paced world, being able to adapt to changing circumstances is crucial. Juggling tasks helps individuals to switch gears quickly, remain agile, and respond to new challenges and situations.
- Increases work quality: Juggling tasks may seem like it could compromise the quality of work, but it can actually help increase it. By breaking tasks into smaller chunks and tackling them simultaneously, individuals can improve the quality of work and reduce the chances of errors.
- Boosts career advancement: In today’s competitive job market, multitasking is becoming an essential requirement for many employers. Being able to handle various tasks simultaneously demonstrates efficient work abilities and can open opportunities for career advancement.
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Multitasking and the Workplace
In the workplace, multitasking skills have become commonplace due to the increasing demands of employers and the need for employees to be efficient and productive.
Despite the drawbacks of multitasking, it has become a common practice in many workplaces.
To improve productivity and reduce stress levels, employers can encourage their employees to prioritize tasks and focus on one task at a time.
This can help employees to stay focused and complete tasks efficiently without becoming overwhelmed.
Additionally, employers can provide training and resources to help employees manage their time effectively and develop effective task prioritization skills.
Could Multitasking be a Myth?
We, humans, can only be mono taskers – meaning that our brain can only focus and attend to a task at a time, a neuropsychologist, Cynthia Kubu, Ph.D. reveals.
She went ahead to buttress that humans actually are incapable of multitasking, rather, we switch in and out of tasks with little focus and deep concentration.
Another study found out that only about 2% of humans can multitask effectively while the rest can attempt but can’t successfully do that.
Multitaskers in a firm can be pampered as possessing a special skill. Who wouldn’t like someone who makes more money or relieves their troubles even at the tasker’s detriment?
How Does Multitasking Work?
The brain is able to combine multiple tasks by utilizing its processing power to allocate attention and focuses on different tasks at different times.
When we multitask, the brain relies on two main mechanisms:
- Task-switching and
- Working memory
Task-switching involves transitioning between different tasks while working memory allows the brain to temporarily store and manipulate information while completing multiple tasks.
The brain also utilizes a prioritization process to help manage multiple tasks. This involves prioritizing tasks based on their level of urgency, importance, and complexity.
However, studies have shown that multitasking skills can make one actually less efficient than focusing on one task at a time, as it can lead to a decrease in productivity and an increase in errors.
This is because the brain must constantly switch its attention, which can lead to a decrease in cognitive ability and an increase in mental fatigue.
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Types and Examples of Multitasking Skills
There are different types of multitasking abilities depending on the situation and circumstances. Though some of the types are thought to be exclusively exhibited by the computer, humans also have such capabilities.
1. Task Switching
Task switching refers to the practice of rapidly switching from one task to another.
It involves performing several tasks in quick succession, with each task being performed for a short period of time before moving on to the next one.
This is a type of multitasking skill that involves splitting one’s focus among multiple activities or projects.
However, it can be very inefficient as it often leads to reduced productivity and increased errors or mistakes.
Task switching can also be mentally taxing, as it requires constant refocusing and reorienting oneself to different tasks.
Examples of task-switching multitasking
- Checking emails and at the same time working on a report
- Answering phone calls while working on a project
- Texting or instant messaging while attending a meeting
- Checking social media while completing an assignment
- Doing laundry or cleaning while also tending to children or pets
- Preparing a meal while also helping children with homework
2. Concurrent Multitasking
In humans, this type refers to the ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously or in overlapping time periods.
This complex skill involves the allocation of attentional and cognitive resources to different tasks depending on their priority and demands.
The human brain is capable of processing multiple streams of information at the same time, thanks to its capacity for parallel processing.
However, the quality and efficiency of concurrent multitasking skills can vary depending on factors such as the complexity and novelty of the tasks, the individual’s experience and expertise, and the level of distraction or interruption from external stimuli.
Examples of concurrent multitasking
- Listening to music while reading a book
- Talking on the phone while cooking dinner.
- Playing a musical instrument while singing
- Reading a book while listening to an audiobook
- Texting while walking
- Writing an email while attending a meeting
- Checking social media while watching a movie.
3. Preemptive Multitasking
Preemptive multitasking is a cognitive phenomenon in which the brain switches between multiple tasks or activities rapidly and periodically.
In this type of multitasking skill, the brain decides which task to focus on and prioritizes it based on its importance and urgency.
It involves allocating attention and cognitive resources to different tasks in a time-sharing manner, allowing individuals to efficiently process and manage multiple tasks at once.
However, it can also lead to decreased productivity, increased errors, and heightened stress levels.
Examples of preemptive multitasking
- Working on multiple projects simultaneously, such as writing a report while attending a meeting or discussing a project with a colleague.
4. Co-operative Multitasking
Cooperative multitasking skills refer to the ability of individuals to work together to accomplish tasks that require multiple people to complete.
This type of multitasking involves coordination and communication to achieve a common goal, with each person contributing their unique skills and abilities.
Cooperative multitasking in humans requires effective communication, trust, and a clear division of labor.
Each person must understand their role and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances.
Successful cooperative multitasking can lead to greater efficiency, increased productivity, and a sense of community and shared achievement among team members.
Examples of cooperative multitasking
- Team collaboration: In a business setting, a group of individuals working together on a project is an example of cooperative multitasking. Each person brings their skills and expertise to the group, and together they work towards achieving a common goal.
- Household tasks: In a household, family members often work together on tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and gardening. Each person takes on a specific role, and together they complete the task efficiently.
- Sports teams: A sports team is another example of cooperative multitasking. Each player has a specific role to play on the field, and they work together to score goals or win the game.
- Classroom group work: In a classroom, group work is often used to teach cooperative multitasking skills. Students work together to complete projects and assignments, each taking on a specific role to ensure the project’s success.
5. Time-slicing
Time-slicing refers to a type of multitasking in which the brain rapidly switches between tasks, executing each one for a brief period before moving on to the next one.
This technique enables humans to complete multiple tasks simultaneously, without dedicating hours to each.
Every time we switch tasks, we use a different part of our brain, which means that time-slicing requires significant mental agility and flexibility.
The ability to effectively time-slice depends on a person’s attention span, working memory, and level of mental focus.
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Time-slicing is often used in high-pressure situations, such as emergency response scenarios or crucial decision-making tasks.
It can also be an effective strategy for managing everyday tasks, such as answering emails, completing paperwork, and preparing meals.
While time-slicing can be an effective way to manage multiple tasks, it requires careful attention and prioritization to ensure that important tasks are not neglected or overshadowed by less critical ones.
Additionally, time-slicing can be mentally taxing and may ultimately result in lower productivity and increased stress levels.
Examples of time-slicing multitasking
- A person browsing the internet while waiting for a doctor’s appointment.
- An artist drawing while listening to a lecture.
- A chef cooks multiple dishes at once while coordinating with their team.
Common Misconceptions about Multitasking
As multitasking is a part of humans that they engage in it almost unconsciously, there are many misconceptions about it. Here are they:
- Increases productivity: In reality, attempting to focus on multiple tasks at the same time can actually reduce productivity, as the brain is constantly switching between tasks rather than focusing on completing one task at a time.
- Saves time: Dividing attention between multiple tasks can actually take longer than completing each task individually with full focus and attention.
- Is effective for all types of tasks: Some tasks, such as driving or complex problem-solving, require complete attention and cannot be effectively done while multitasking.
- It can be developed: While it is possible to improve the ability to switch between tasks quickly, true multitasking ability is limited by the brain’s cognitive processing capacity.
- Equally efficient for everyone: Research has shown that certain individuals may be better suited for multitasking than others, based on factors such as personality traits and cognitive abilities.
Pros of Multitasking
Though multitasking is believed to be detrimental to the brain, here are the advantages of multitasking:
- Increased productivity: It allows people to accomplish more tasks in a shorter amount of time. By working on several tasks simultaneously, individuals can complete more work than they would have been able to by focusing on one task at a time.
- Better time management: Requires individuals to prioritize tasks and manage their time effectively. This skill is valuable in both personal and professional settings.
- Improved cognitive skills: It can help improve cognitive skills, such as attention, memory, and executive function. Several studies have shown that individuals who regularly multitask have better mental agility and can quickly shift their attention between tasks.
- Flexibility: Multitasking requires individuals to be flexible and adaptable in their approach to completing tasks. This skill can be beneficial in the workplace, where unforeseen challenges and changes often arise.
- Increased efficiency: When individuals multitask, they can work more efficiently by completing small tasks during downtime or breaks between more significant projects. This can help prevent wasted time and increase overall productivity.
Cons of Multitasking
Here are the disadvantages of multitasking include the following:
- Decreased productivity: Studies have shown that attempting to juggle multiple tasks can decrease overall productivity, as the brain becomes overwhelmed and unable to focus effectively on any one thing.
- Reduced creativity: Multitasking skills can reduce the ability to think creatively and develop new ideas, as the brain is constantly switching and unable to fully engage with any one task.
- Increased stress levels: Trying to do too many things at once can lead to increased stress levels, as the brain is working overtime to process all the information and demands being thrown its way.
- Impaired decision-making: When multitasking, it can be difficult to make informed decisions, as the brain is pulled in multiple directions and may not be able to give each decision the necessary attention.
- Reduced work quality: Attempting to multitask can lead to errors and oversights, resulting in lower-quality work and potentially costly mistakes.
Multitasking and the Brain
While it may seem like a useful skill, studies have shown that multitasking skills can actually decrease productivity and impair cognitive functions such as memory and attention.
When we attempt to multitask, our brain has to switch between different tasks, which can lead to “cognitive overload,” resulting in decreased performance and increased stress levels.
The brain can only truly focus on one task at a time, and trying to divide attention between multiple tasks can result in reduced accuracy and quality of work.
Furthermore, multitasking can have a negative impact on long-term memory.
Our brains store information in our hippocampus, but when we divide our attention, our memories become fragmented and disconnected, making them difficult to recall later. Therefore, it is better to focus on one task at a time and give it our full attention, rather than trying to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously.
The Brain Split into Halves by Multitasking
The prefrontal cortex part of the brain springs to action when you need to pay attention or focus.
This area is made of the right and left sides and is the brain’s motivational area that helps it process and carry out tasks.
When focused on a single task, both sides work together to deliver quality concentration which equates to quality tasks without errors and confusion.
But when tasks are combined, the right and left parts of the brain handle the tasks independently of each other, causing disorganization and confusion.
This is why it is said that one cannot be a master of all trades and one cannot serve two masters at a time.
There must be impartiality that might result in conflicts that would render everything useless at the same time.
How Multitasking Damages the Brain
Before now, it was believed that cognitive issues that pointed to juggling tasks were temporary and would repair when the individual stops combining tasks. But researchers are saying otherwise.
Sussex University researchers compared the amount of time spent by people on different devices at once such as texting and watching TV to MRI scans of their brains.
It was found that people who combine tasks a lot showed less brain mass in the anterior cingulate cortex which is the region that is responsible for empathy and cognitive control, including emotions.
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Though further research is needed for clarity on if multitasking skills can cause physical brain damage or if it is existing brain damage that enhances people’s multitasking, it’s certain that combining tasks is not your good friend.
According to a neuroscientist, Kep Kee Loh, the head of the study,
“It is important to create awareness that our interaction with devices might be changing how we think and the changes might be happening at the level of brain structure.”
Prolonged Media-multitasking Linked to Smaller Gray Matter Density
Media-multitasking is the concurrent consumption of multiple media forms which has been on the rise since the advent of especially smartphones.
It has become prevalent in the society of today and is linked to negative psychological and cognitive problems.
People who engage in heavy media multitasking perform very poorly on cognitive tasks and at the same time show poor social intelligence and exhibit more socio-emotional difficulties.
The neural processes linked with media-multitasking are yet unexplored, but the present study reveals a clear relationship between repeated media-multitasking activities and brain structure alteration.
A study that tested about a million people found that 90% of senior performers have high EQs. If multitasking damages the brain part called the anterior cingulate cortex which is a key brain region, then it lowers the IQ in the process.
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The multitasking activity is managed in the brain by the mental executive functions which control and process other cognitive activities. It determines when and how certain tasks are carried out.
It passes through two processes – goal shifting which is a decision of preferring one thing against another. The second process – role activation – is changing from the rules of the first task to the rules of the second.
Basically, switching may happen in a few seconds and so does not incur much time loss immediately, but when it is done repeatedly, it becomes a concern.
This could not be a big problem in little tasks like watching television while eating, but it would be a serious danger while driving.
Women Multitask More than Men
According to a study, women are really more adept at multitasking than males, at least in some circumstances.
In tests conducted by UK psychologists, men were slower and less organized than women when moving between tasks quickly.
In the study, which was published in the journal BMC Psychology, it was found that both sexes had difficulty balancing their priorities, although males suffered more generally.
It reads: “Now, the query is, “Why?” And does it apply to all forms of multitasking or just certain circumstances?”
The research posits glaring facts on the subject as regards the argument on the best multitaskers between men and women.
According to co-author Dr. Gijsbert Stoet of the University of Glasgow, if men actually are slower than women, it could set off an unpredictable expectation on how the workplace is set up.
The issue of accomplishing many tasks simultaneously has become more crucial in the workplace, but interrupting the workflow irritates me incredibly.
He told BBC News, “It’s possible that guys are more affected by this continual flipping.”
Previous research on gender and multitasking has produced a wide range of results.
Women beat males in an experiment conducted in China. But men may actually be better at juggling tasks when tasks that involve reasonable space are involved, according to research conducted in Sweden.
Dr. Stoet compared men’s and women’s multitasking where a lot needs to be achieved quickly but not simultaneously.
These tasks included attending meetings and attending to emails and other office assignments, just also like preparing meals at home, keeping an eye on the kids, and also taking a call.
Initially, they used a computer test that alternated between counting and shape-recognition tasks to compare the same number of men and women.
When tasks were completed one at a time, men and women performed equally. However, there was a noticeable difference when the jobs were switched together.
As the switching accelerated, both men and women slowed down and made more errors.
However, men responded substantially more slowly than women – they did so in 77% versus 69% longer.
See more reports on this by BBC.
Multitasking in Teenagers
Heavy multitasking skills can be very detrimental to teenagers with their negative impacts. This is because, at that age, the brain is still developing and forming important neural connections.
Chronically dividing attention and constantly being distracted would have a long-term unpleasant impact on how the connections form.
Though this area requires more research, it is believed that teenagers who are particularly involved in media multitasking skills would be more vulnerable to any negative effects of the act.
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This research believes that the damage done to the brain function by trying to handle tasks simultaneously is temporary and can reverse when the multitasker becomes a monotasker.
As more research and study are expected to clearly determine the effects of combining tasks on the brain, what remains constant is that it predisposes people to danger and has negative brain effects.
A neuroscientist, Kep Kee Loh explained it this way, in his own words:
“I feel that it is important to create an awareness that the way we are interacting with the devices might be changing the way we think and these changes might be occurring at the level of brain structure.”
Kep Kee Loh
Negative Effects of Multitasking
1. Multitasking Skills Impair Learning
The more one multitasks, the less he accomplishes his goals. Humans slowly lose the capacity to concentrate enough to understand especially, complex subjects. It, therefore, impairs learning or prolongs it.
As observed by Dr. Kubu, “if we are constantly applying multitasking skills in our activities, we don’t tune out the rest that happens around us so we can deeply concentrate and learn.”
It is observable also with school children who multitask take longer to complete their homework and have lower or average grades.
2. It is Distracting
People who juggle tasks are more easily distracted than people who have full concentration on their tasks.
This is true when you agree that jugglers have the habit of constantly refocusing on a new task which is itself a distraction from the original assignment.
Again, they may have problems focusing even when they are monotasking. Another research also shows that while there is a connection linking the combination of tasks and distraction, the connection is not as strong as originally presumed and varies from person to person.
3. Slows Memory
When we multitask, we tend to work slower and sluggishly. It leads to what is known by psychologists as “task switch costs”, which means the negative effect that comes from switching from task to task.
The increased mental demand that is caused by jumping from one task to another is responsible for the task switch cost.
The brain loves to be exercised on a particular thing at a stretch than switching which causes strain and confusion.
This is also true considering that each time we refocus, it takes a bit of time to acclimatize to the point where we were before we left the task, and this singular feeling is tiring.
It is tiring because the brain is not excited anymore to give its best on the task. That is why at refocusing, a multitasker fidgets momentarily before gaining the confidence to continue.
4. Multitaskers are Always Prone to Mistakes
Due to distractions and shallow levels of focus, a multitasker is very much prone to mistakes. Most times the mistakes are discovered at a later stage and would cause a delay in the delivery of the job.
Students who multitask consciously or unconsciously tend to have lower grades. Adults also experience poor performance while juggling tasks and they are more likely to make more serious mistakes especially while driving or operating machinery.
5. Can Lead to Brain Damage
Repeated heavy multitasking can lead to dangerous patterns in the brain that would affect its optimum performance especially as it concerns cognition and keeping tabs on the information.
Brain structures are strengthened by a uniform kind of task stretched uninterruptedly.
Switching back and forth from task to task defeats that, which depends on repeated dangerous impressions and time to manifest.
6. Slows Efficiency and Mental Performance
The efficiency of the brain to perform a task is dependent on focus and concentration which are also necessary for mental performance.
A surgeon no matter how grounded he might be on the job needs to focus on each case. The fingers, eyes, and mind need to be in harmony. Any kind of combination can spell danger.
Combining tasks can reduce efficiency and performance by 40% which equals about 3.2 hours per day.
A lack of efficiency can cause mistakes and impedes creative thought which is essential for a seamless performance.
Earl Miller, a renowned neuroscientist at MIT posits that toggling between tasks requires a series of significant shifts in mental energy and could take about 15 minutes before a refocus stabilizes. Each shift takes away a significant time and incurs costs.
7. Shield Focus and Concentration
Another neuroscientist in New York and an author, Daniel Levitin confirms that multitasking skills trigger a dopamine-addiction feedback situation, paying back the brain for shifting focus on the lookout for external triggers.
He suggests that the region of the brain responsible for focus and concentration is easily distracted and needs an absolutely high level of concentration to stay undistracted.
So, each time one is distracted by his phone or takes a call, he trains his brain to lose focus and remain distracted.
It becomes very difficult to break the cycle of distraction as it becomes normal to be distracted as a result of the dopamine rush from switching tasks and shifting focus.
8. Lowers the Intelligence Quotient (IQ)
Another research approached the subject from another angle of lowering the human IQ apart from slowing you down.
A University of London study discovers that participants that multitasked at a cognitive task had a decline in IQ score that resembled what was expected when marijuana is consumed or the effect experienced when stayed awake at night.
It stressed that multitasking dropped men’s IQ to that of an 8-year-old child.
It could be observed that multitasking in a gathering makes a person absent-minded to a task while appearing confused at another and this indicates low social awareness, an emotional smartness (EQ) component that is necessary for success wherever.
9. A Multitasking Mind is Irritable and Impatient
A mind that loses focus because of pressure and stress would become irritable and impatient in no time, which if continued for long can result in cortisol secretion which is a hormone responsible for anxiety.
In my former company where employees were allocated targets each day to be eligible for the daily payment; employees were always under pressure to meet the target.
This made them prone to anger and always in a hurrying mode.
A lot of negative results were experienced ranging from damages, accidents, violence, machine manipulation, and production of substandard products.
They tried to cut corners to reach the target. The company discovered this and stopped it immediately.
10. Kills Creativity and Innovation
Earl Miller went ahead to warn that multitasking minds could lose grip of the power of their minds to be creative and find new ways to do things.
Innovative thinking thrives in an environment of a calm mind and uncluttered thinking.
One cannot have the time and freedom to have deep thoughts when the brain is exerted with constant switching which encourages shallow thought patterns that do not break the surface.
Innovation and creativity are not born of shallow thoughts but from the bottom of the mind where serenity is resident.
11. Multitasking Could Reduce Emotional Intelligence
Travis Bradberry, the author of “The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book” explained that emotional intelligence is a common trait of 90% of high performers in different fields.
He suggests that having too many tasks burdened on the mind could damage the anterior cingulate cortex responsible for cognition and emotions.
In addition, self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and social management which are the components of emotional intelligence could diminish significantly as a result of repeated multitasking.
12. Multitaskers Make Poor Decisions
Irritability, impatience, fatigue, and stress, can trigger poor judgment of situations and lead to poor and uninformed decisions.
Decision-making requires a sound and deep understanding of situations or problems that a multitasking mind is bereft of.
Impulsive behaviour and bad decision are inseparable. When impulse control is lost, then expect uninformed decisions that will destroy productivity.
Breaking the Multitasking Habit
It is always advisable to break bad habits which could pose a health problem sooner or later.
It is possible to make changes that increase productivity and it is a win-win for you. It is quite easy to break the habit of multitasking if you are determined.
Some people are deep into multitasking skills that they hardly differentiate the difference and do not know if they multitask or not. It is going to be a deliberate effort and would require maximum consciousness.
When you find yourself combining tasks, an assessment should be taken of the various tasks you are trying to deliver or accomplish then prioritize them in order of importance. This will help you become organized.
Juggling different things without a particular order might actually be inducing you to multitask. Staying organized is key.
If you must work on multiple things at the same time, let them be things that won’t take much time.
Divide your tasks into bits or put similar tasks together and set a particular time to handle them.
If possible, resist the impulse to always check your email or silence your notification when in a very absorbing task that requires absolute focus.
Cultivate the habit of solitude. Always make out time to be alone and just relax and indulge in yourself.
Relaxing by yourself has a way of relaxing your mind and entire being. The refreshing feeling you get after is similar to when you wake from sleep.
Make a resolution of facing one task at a time. It’s a sure way to be organized and avoid confusion in multitasking.
Conclusion
Humans cannot do without multitasking skills. The key is to minimize or avoid entirely multitasking situations that are not life-threatening.
It is better to focus energy on a particular task and deliver it entirely than to switch from task to task and unwittingly harm your brain while slowing productivity.
Staying organized and allocating time to tasks when they accumulate helps to reduce multitasking.
Also, silencing your phone and taking and being wholistically conscious and deliberate about minimizing the combination of tasks will go a long way to breaking free from the ghostly multitasking skills.
References
- VeryWellMind: How Multitasking Affects Productivity and Brain Health Multitasking
- Hoffstetter: How Multitasking Affects Productivity and Brain Health
- Forbes: Multitasking Damages Your Brain and Career
- Brain Facts: Thinking, Sensing, And Behaving/Thinking And Awareness
- Mobile device use while driving — United States and seven European countries, 2011. Centers for Disease Control. March 15; 62(10);177-182 (2011).
- Charron S, Koechlin E. Divided representation of concurrent goals in the human frontal lobes. Science. 328(360), 360-363 (2010).
- Clapp W, Rubens M, Sabharwal J, Gazzaley A. Deficit in switching between functions underlies the impact of multitasking memory in older adults. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 108(17), 7212-7217 (2011).
- Sanbonmatsu D, Strayer D, Medeiros-Ward N, Watson J. Who multi-tasks and why? Multi-tasking ability, perceived multi-tasking ability, impulsivity, and sensation seeking. PLOS One. 8(1), e54402 (2013).
A Personal Development Content Creator and an author. I write about life ethics and love to document and share life hacks and experiences of people to help others make good life decisions.
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