In theory, multitasking is a useful skill to develop. The concept of getting more than one job done at a time, allow you to be more productive, and work through your tasks for the day in half the time, is appealing to many. Those who work in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments can surely attest to this.
However, multiple studies have revealed the truth. Generally speaking, it has been found that we work better when we focus on one task and then move on to the next.
Gasp!
Apparently, it’s been proven that focusing on a single task at a time, allows us to get into a state of 'flow' or uninterrupted focus, whereas continuously switching between tasks means you're not able to 'settle in' to any one type of work.
Read More: Why focusing on one task at a time is helpful?
They’ve also concluded that the act of switching back and forth between tasks itself, is something that takes time and mental energy. Hence the lower capacity to take on or focus on things through completion.
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Finally, studies suggest that the human brain can never 'truly' multitask in the sense that we imagine.
So essentially, the best we can hope for is the ability to shift sequentially from one task to another. If you’re a self-proclaimed multitasker questioning yourself and your current mode of operation, don’t fret.
There are still instances in which multitasking can work out in your favor.
Data Entry
First up, monotonous data entry tasks. You know, those tasks that require little thinking or creative output, such as copying and pasting information in a document, organizing files, etc. It’s easier to switch back and forth to do these types of tasks if you’re multitasking.
Read More: What are data entry jobs?
Phone Calls
When on calls, provided you’re not required to take detailed notes or be in front of a computer, you can potentially use the other faculties of your brain to do something else. I’m a big fan of walking around the house while on calls. This helps you get away from the desk and moving your body. You’d be amazed how many steps you can get in during a 30 min work call.
Outdoor Walks
Similarly, multitasking while getting your daily dose of vitamin D is another great use of the skill. You can use the time to listen to music, an educational or entertaining podcast, your book of the month on Audible, and so on. While some may rather spend time enjoying nature, others may choose to leverage their time outdoors to continue stimulating their minds.
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In closing, while many of us have been led to believe productivity is a byproduct of multitasking, we now must face the truth. Our brains are wired to complete a few tasks in a given period, and any overload will naturally cause it to work against us.
Therefore, if your goal is to be more productive, consider lightening your load and focusing on bringing tasks to completion, prior to jumping into the next thing.
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