Multitasking not productive, 6 tips that matter

Why Multitasking Isn't Productive and Is Even Counterproductive?

When you try to perform several tasks simultaneously, brain activity actually jumps back and forth from one area to another all the time. Jelmer Borst, a doctoral student at the University of Groningen, concludes in his oresearch (2012) that working memory in our brain can only process one element at a time. If working memory has to perform several things at once, one of them moves to long-term memory.

When one task is completed, the other task must be retrieved from long-term memory first. So our brains are programmed to focus on only one thing at a time. Switching from one task to another takes time and energy and thus cannot possibly ensure that you are working efficiently and productively. So also, at the end of the day, you are much more tired if you are multitasking a lot than if you are only working on one task.

But why do we do it so much?

Because the results of many small tasks can be seen quickly, it creates the idea that multitasking is more efficient than tackling things one at a time. Also, by constantly completing small tasks, you are more likely to have a sense of accomplishment. Whereas, of course, it is much more satisfying when you have completed a big task that took a lot of time and energy. But because you don't feel this satisfaction right away, people tend to opt for the smaller tasks.

The effect of multitasking on the brain

Neuroscientist Earl Miller says in The Guardian that multitasking causes a self-reinforcing chemical reaction in the brain. The immediate effect of multitasking is increased production of the stress hormone cortisol and the production of adrenaline. Over time, these can cause overstimulation of the brain. This overstimulation impairs the ability to focus. But it also releases dopamine upon successful completion of a task.

This is a pleasure hormone. This rewards the brain and basically encourages you to continue multitasking above all else. This combined with the lack of focus actually makes you more and more likely to get distracted by everything around you. A study at the University of California found that multitasking interferes with the brain's ability to absorb information. Also, people who frequently multitask are bad at ignoring irrelevant information, they frequently switch between tasks and have worse short-term memory. These are all skills needed when multitasking. Quite a negative spiral, in other words.

Exceptions

Doing multiple tasks simultaneously is fine as long as each task is performed by a separate brain area. The visual, auditory, vocal and motor brain areas can function just fine separately. Think of having a conversation while cooking or singing while driving. It only goes wrong when we want to do a number of complicated things at the same time in the same brain network.

You can also do two tasks at the same time just fine as long as one of those tasks goes on autopilot. A lot of daily recurring actions go on autopilot. We have done this action so many times that our brain can do it completely on its own. We no longer need to keep our conscious attention on it. Think, for example, of driving a car. How often has it happened to you that you got home, but can't quite recall how? You then did the driving on autopilot. Calling hands-free while driving you will probably be able to do so without any problems.

But note here: this applies only as long as no unexpected situations arise. If traffic suddenly becomes complicated, you have to use your working memory for traffic in addition to calling. Then a queue is created for incoming information. You can then let your working memory keep switching between the two tasks, but you are going to see, hear and also react much less. So performing multiple actions on autopilot is possible, but only up to a point.

6 tips that can help you stop multitasking

So there are plenty of reasons to stop multitasking. But this can be quite a challenge. So how do you do this? Here are seven tips that can help.

1. Train your ability to concentrate. Research has shown that we have half the interruptions to blame ourselves for. Do you feel the temptation to occupy yourself with something other than what you are doing? Then take a deep breath and refocus on what you were doing. In this way you can train your ability to concentrate and after a while you will be able to keep your attention on one thing longer and longer.
2. Write down distracting thoughts. If you are working on something and thoughts arise about other things that are also important, write these down. You can then work on these later. Writing it down gives peace of mind because now you know for sure that you can't forget.
3. Divide your workday into blocks. Agree with yourself that you will only handle email and answer phone calls at set times. With a clear schedule of your day, you will avoid too many distractions in between.
4. Take good care of yourself. Consider scheduling moments when you are 'low on stimuli'. The moments when you do nothing are very important. In moments without stimuli your brain networks are strengthened, your creativity can develop and your energy reserve is replenished.
5. Reward yourself when you succeed in keeping your attention on one task. Rewarding yourself with something fun or tasty reinforces new behaviors. For example, agree with yourself to get a cup of coffee after you have worked on a task continuously for twenty minutes.
6. Practice. Do you still want to multitask on certain tasks? Then practice them so often that you can do them on autopilot. That's the only way you can do another task with attention alongside it.

We hope this article contributes to the degree to which you are working with focus. This will save a lot of energy, make you more productive and thus benefit both yourself and your employer!

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