Many of us spend every day between texting while in traffic, podcasts at work, and frequent switches from news to emails, becoming "multi-tasking" without realizing it.
According to Nicole Byers, a neuropsychologist on mental fatigue who was quoted by the New York Times, this happens for two reasons: we want to avoid boredom and we feel the pressure of the modern world to always be "online" and productive.
However, "multitasking" is not possible in the true sense, the brain cannot fully focus on two tasks at the same time, except in cases that are very simple and repetitive (e.g. walking and talking). In fact, what we call "multitasking" is just a rapid switching of attention from one activity to another.
Anthony Wagner of Stanford and Dr. Gloria Mark of the University of California describe this process as creating an "image" of the task in our minds: in an effort to increase concentration, we plan our steps and process information, but every time we switch tasks, the brain must change the image and focus.
What happens when we practice multitasking?
The cost of task switching: we lose time and efficiency every time we switch focus between activities.
Poorer performance: we are slower, less accurate, and less productive.
Mental fatigue: can damage memory and irritate the mental system.
Physical and emotional effects: increased heart rate, tension, anxiety and negative mood.
How to change our approach?
Make a personal observation throughout the day — record how and when you unconsciously switch tasks.
Practice monotasking gradually — start with 5–10 minutes on a single task, increase the time as the days go by.
Choose the right time for strenuous activities — most people are most energetic in the midday and afternoon.
Combine easy tasks with important ones — for example, we listen to music when doing household chores, but focus fully on just one task when we're studying or have an important job at hand.
Pay unbroken attention — act slowly, without interruption, otherwise the brain quickly tires.
However, mixing pleasant habits with unpleasant ones can work in your brain's favor. Instead of focusing on just one task, mixing an activity you enjoy with one you don't really enjoy can give your brain more positive reinforcement. For example, if washing dishes becomes easier when the TV is on, it might be worth sacrificing a little bit of focus. But you shouldn't do anything that feels like a chore.
