Lifestyle / It’s Bad For Your Brain: Stop The Multitasking Madness

It’s Bad For Your Brain: Stop The Multitasking Madness

Lifestyle Jun 13, 2018

by Rachna Sethi

Are you always busy? Does that lead you to try to multitask and complete two things at once? Does that actually save time? No! The idea multitasking helps save time is a myth and we’re here to bust it! We tell you why you need to stop the multitasking madness!

With 1000 Bollywood movies released yearly, going to the cinema is a celebrated activity. Where do many movie lovers go upon entering the theater? Straight to the concession (aka snack) stand! Ever been eating your large popcorn and feel surprised when before the movie ends, it’s finished? How can we eat our whole snack without realizing it? Curious on why eating our snack goes unnoticed, we further explore the idea of doing two things at once, also known as multitasking.

What Is Multitasking?

Definitions vary but generally they are: “the concurrent performance of several jobs by a computer” and then “the performance of multiple tasks at one time.”

What stroke us most about this definition is it initially refers to a “computer.” Is multitasking is a functionality of technology that we’ve begun to humanize? Or, is it possible and productive for us to do it?

Is it Possible For Humans To Multitask?

Yes and no.

Yes, it is possible for our brains to do tasks at once. For example, we can breathe and walk at the same time. However, for the remainder of this piece, we’ll remove the automatic, neurological, tasks out of the equation and focus on conscious, optional actions (eating at the movies, texting during a conversation, etc.).

The no comes in when we attempt to complete conscious, multiple tasks that require equal attention. This may not be an issue when it comes to a movie and snack, (though it can lead to overeating, weight gain, etc.), however when it comes important tasks it can lead to problems.

Why Should We Avoid “Multitasking” And How Can We?

It’s not productive. Ever been trying to write an email and talk on the phone simultaneously? Your brain isn’t actually multitasking, it’s rapidly switching attention from task to task. Research demonstrates we can lose up to 40% in productivity.

How can you prevent productivity loss? Be less reactive to stimuli (e.g. if you’re writing an email and the phone rings, finish your email first). Check in with yourself every few hours to re-prioritize; what’s most important to complete? Remember just because your phone rings, it doesn’t mean you have to immediately answer; voicemail exists for a reason!

**Stop The Multitasking Madness: You’re not saving time if you’re losing quality.** Photo credit: jamesclear.com

It Can Lead To Miscommunication.

So much of communication is already subject to interpretation. When we add attempting another task that requires focus (e.g. listening while writing an unrelated text message), it’s a recipe for disaster and can lead to misunderstandings.

Avoid being on your cell phone when you’re having a conversation (especially in a meeting); not only is being on your phone when others speak rude, your brain will not absorb everything being said (or you may text the wrong thing).

It Can Lead To Confidence Issues And/Or Stress.

When we set unrealistic expectations that we can do it all, we may be disappointed with ourselves and increase our stress levels. South Asian cultural expectations are already significantly high; we often operate in a realm of constant comparison on education, income, marriage, parenthood, etc. Though both genders face high expectations, the toll is exceptionally worse for South Asian women who may be faced with juggling both traditional cultural expectations and modern ones (e.g. being a wife who cooks fresh food everyday but also goes to work).

What can you do to help yourself stop multitasking? Increase your awareness on when you’re doing it. When you start to attempt it, ask yourself; why are you trying to multitask? It the process is causing you stress? What task is actually most important? Remind yourself multi-tasking is not saving you time. You’re not a computer, designed to do it all at once; it’s okay to say no and/or take your time. Focus on quality over quantity of tasks and be gentle with yourself.

Main Image Photo Credit: www.abc.net.au

Rachna Sethi

Author

Rachna (@thesassyspiritual) is a graduate of the Applied Mindfulness Meditation program from the University of Toronto, a certified Educator with two bachelor degrees and a diploma in Art Therapy. She's dedicated to living with a compassionate approach. Committed to helping people integrate Mindfuln...

COMMENTS

Delivered To Your Door, With Clean Meals You Have No Excuse For Not Eating Right

Take It Off: Strip Away The Toxins And Celebrate The Herb With Our Mindful Take On Ayurveda

They Know Your Secrets: Why The Facebook And Cambridge Analytica Fiasco Is Scandalous And Undemocratic

Stop Sitting Around And Get Your Core Engaged With Our Tips

#ThisIsMyGlamour18 - A Day of Glamour & Inspiration

Bow Down! Be A Cookout Queen With Our Can't-Be-Beat BBQ Recipes!

Turn That Music Up! Those Beats Are Good For Your Brain

End Hunger Now! Project Ramadan's Canadian Initiative Helps Feed Families By The Thousands

O(M)MG: Is Meditation A Marketing Ploy Or The Real Deal?

Nintendo Brings Back A Classic (And Our Fave May Tech Releases That You Need Now)!

Say What You Mean! Mindful Tips On Communicating Clearly

Stop The Lame Celebrations: A Decadent Father's Day Cookout Is What He Wants!

Believe it! Counting Your Macro Intake Can Turn You Into A Fitness Force

Hear Them Out! How Your Hormones Play A Big Part In Your Weight Loss Battle

There's No Pride: The Deafening Silence The LGBTQ Community Faces In South Asian Circles

Game On! June's Tech Releases Includes A Must-Have Device For Serious Gamers

It's Time To Get Lit With Our Cool Summer Cocktail Guide

Check In And Zen Out At A Spiritual Retreat That's Made For You

Rule The Grid This Summer With Our List Of Hot July Tech Gadgets

Health Hazard: It's True, Hookahs Can Kill You!

From The Malala Fund To NOW Ventures, Shiza Shahid Wants Companies To Do Good In The World

Drop The Pop Because You Won't Believe All The Nutrients Found In Coconut Water

#PressForProgress: Why Do VCs Support Men Over Women Entrepreneurs (And How We Can Change It)

Three Key Spiritual Tips From Sri Sri Ravi Shankar That You Need To Know

For The Sake Of Your Mental Health You Need To Watch These 5 TED Talks Now

It’s Bad For Your Brain: Stop The Multitasking Madness

by Rachna Sethi

Rachna Sethi

COMMENTS

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE