Contents to read
•Effects of multitasking on brain
•Is multitasking output oriented?
•How to avoid multitasking?
•FAQs
What do you mean by multitasking?
Multitasking in most simple words means working on two or more tasks at the same time switching back and forth or doing a number of tasks quickly in one go (in rapid succession).
Research suggests that it is an illusion to assume that our productivity increases when we perform multitasking. Instead our brain is designed to focus on one task at one time. Doing to many work in one go hampers our ability to pay attention and comprehend things. This in turn decreases our productivity. We might feel that a lot is being done but in truth very little is the output.
Is multitasking a Productivity killer?
While trying to do many tasks in one go our attention keeps shifting from one thing to the other. This creates creates mental blockages and invites distractions. This slows you down. Performance falls drastically.
Common examples of multitasking :
•Listening to podcast while reading book.
•Watching television while journaling.
•Scrolling through social media while driving.
•Answering emails while making tea/coffee.
•Starting with two projects simultaneously.
•Talking on phone while jogging.
Our brain do not focus on more then one thing at a time. We falsely belive that we are we working more. We overestimate our tendency to work. For attention to build up a sufficient amount of time should be given to one particular work.
Multitasking incorporates distractions
Some research suggests that when multitasking practiced long becomes a habit. Multitaskers will be unable to focus on one thing even when there is no distraction around. Distraction becomes their habit. They are generally found more distracted then those who focus on one thing at a time.
Multitasking hampers your speed to work
Jumping from one task to another impacts our ability to work negatively. This is called as "task switch cost". It brings down our efficiency.
Prone to make mistakes
While multitasking is difficult it also makes the multitaskers vulnerable. It slows you down and also comprises n quality of the output. Multitaskers makes mistakes more often. Students are indulging in multitasking are prone to perform poorly in their exams.
When we switch to another task our brain take a very small time period (a few tenths of a second) to adjust with the new task. It also takes a fraction of a second to adjust itself to the new reels of the new task. This causes dely in functioning.
This delay is insignificant while eating and watch hing Netflix but it does holds significance in a situation like driving through a heavy traffic where every second is critical.
People often tend to overestimate their ability to multitask. Researches have proven that multitasking also impairs our cognitive ability. These people lack the needed ability to effective at one task. They are easily distracted.
How to deal with the habit of multitasking?
It is very much possible to break through the habit of multitasking. Be aware. Next time you catch yourself multitasking, stop and actively take the needed steps to focus on one task.
Focus on one task at a time
Start with those pair of work where one task requires more attention and the other little. For example you can combine doing laundry while listening to podcast. Slowly switch to one task at a time.
Use time blocks
Set a timer of 20 minutes at a time. Sit with only one task at a time. Eliminate distractions. Once you are done with one set of 20 minutes (1 block) move to something else.
Eliminate distractions
Turn off your alarms, beeps, pop-ups. Hide your phone if possible. Take to peaceful corner where no outside distractions are possible.
Remain mindful
Take the note of the times when you have urges to multitask. When you will track yourself for a while you will see a pattern. Next time you have to make concious efforts to not multitask. Practice focusing on one thing at a time. This will improve your attention quality and also overall output.
Few more tips to improve your focus
•Practice meditation for atleast 15 minutes a day.
•Appreciate even your small effort in the direction of eliminating multitasking.
•Use '5 minutes rule' to finish with those works first where it would take you less then 5 minutes.
Read also:Attention Management - The Path To Productivity !!Attention Management-Way to increase productivity
Habit Stacking -a Wonderful Tool to Life
FAQs
Q.2.What are the positive effects of multitasking?
It makes you feel like you save time, your money is being saved and output is more while multitasking.
Q.3.Is multitasking good or bad for students?
Research shows that multitasking can increase the stress level in students and hamper their cognitive ability to perform.
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