Why You Should Stop Multitasking to Boost Productivity

We all want to boost our productivity throughout the week, that’s the ultimate goal! So we’ve let multitasking take over our lives; to the point where it’s normal to text while talking to someone, or scroll on social media while watching TV. It’s the same while we work too, checking emails during an important meeting or being interrupted while working on a task. We think nothing of the minor issues that occur when we multitask between two or three different things. In fact, I’m sure you’ve believed (or still do) that multitasking can increase your productivity! This is far from the truth, so I’m sharing my tips to boost productivity indefinitely. 

Your Brain Slows Down

When you’re attempting to work on two things at once, like talking on the phone while drafting an email, each task competes to use the same part of the brain. This causes your brain to slow down and in result, takes you longer to complete both tasks. Instead, plan ahead and work on one thing within a period of time, so you can go into flow state and boost your productivity. You’ll find that putting your focus on one thing and completing it before moving onto the next is better time spent. This is because increased productivity occurs where you get both tasks completed more quickly and efficiently. 

Raises Your Stress & Anxiety Levels

Multitasking requires you to constantly divide your attention between different things simultaneously. This causes a rise in stress levels and anxiety because you’re attempting to complete multiple tasks at the same time. Multitasking is interrupted work, so you’re working at a slower pace and it can be frustrating when you’re working against the clock. Additionally, when there’s a rise in anxiety and stress levels, our bodies start accessing more primitive brain structures that are designed to keep us from danger. When that occurs, we stop reaching other areas of the brain that helps us to critically think and be creative. To combat this, plan ahead by choosing the best time of day to work on your tasks and break throughout.

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More Likely to Make Mistakes

When you’re doing several things at once, you’re logically more inclined to make mistakes. According to Health Day, multitaskers are terrible at filtering out irrelevant information that doesn’t pertain to the task at hand. Therefore, you’re bound to make some mistakes that will cost you additional time to fix in the long run. It makes far more sense to focus on one thing at a time and not move onto the next task until you’ve completely finished the other. I did this on a daily basis and never lost time, so I’m certain this will increase your productivity!

It Wastes Time

Lets be honest here, it’s really a waste of time trying to complete one task while you’re partially distracted by another. This is because our brains don’t actually work on all of these things at the same time. What it actually does is frantically switch from task to another. Additionally, the brain has to stop and reset before attempting to shift back into the next task. Studies show that it takes our brains on average 7 minutes to get into a work flow state. So imagine how much time you’re actually wasting by task switching from one thing to the next. Also, take note that you’ll never reach true work flow state because you’re interrupting it with something else.

Affects Your Memory

How many times can you recall where someone told you their name and seconds later you forgot it? This is because you were multitasking and processing loads of information in a period of time. If you recall in the earlier point, I mentioned how multitaskers are terrible at filtering out irrelevant information. Fast forward 5 – 10 years and this can be something that becomes more common and results in lost time. Studies show that multitasking impacts our short term memory. This may not be affecting you now but it can later down the road! It’s best to cultivate a healthier, more productive habit early on.

It’s easy to see why multitasking is nothing but a myth and kills our productivity. If you’re a multitasker, the easiest way to increased productivity is by scheduling time. Start by setting aside time for yourself to complete all tasks for the day and do not move onto something else before you complete the previous task. Additionally, minimizing interruptions by getting rid of all things that can distract you is super helpful! I’d even suggest putting up a do not disturb sign with specific times so people know not to disrupt you. Do you have a productivity tip? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time ASSASSINS. . . Stay Disciplined!

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