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Multitasking
Many people think they are good at multitasking. In reality, the brain cannot focus on two difficult tasks at the same time. Instead, it quickly switches back and forth between them. This is called task switching.
Every time your brain switches from one task to another, it needs a moment to refocus. This small delay is called a switch cost. One switch may not seem like much, but hundreds of switches throughout the day can add up. This can make you slower, lead to more mistakes, and leave you feeling mentally tired.
Task switching also makes it harder to learn and remember information. When your attention is divided, your brain does not store information as well. You may spend time doing the work but remember less of it later.
Not all multitasking is a problem. Your brain can do an automatic task, such as walking or folding laundry, while listening to someone talk. The challenge comes when both activities require your full attention, like answering emails during a meeting or texting while trying to finish an important report.
How Task Switching Increases Stress
Constant interruptions make your brain work harder than it needs to. Notifications, phone calls, emails, and messages all pull your attention away from what you are doing. By the end of the day, you may feel busy but not feel like you accomplished much. This can increase frustration, stress, and mental exhaustion.
Ways to Reduce Stress and Improve Focus
The good news is that your brain can be trained to focus better.
Work on one important task at a time.
Set aside a block of uninterrupted time, such as 25 minutes, to focus on one activity.
Put your phone on silent and out of reach while you work.
Turn off notifications when possible.
Reduce distractions by working in a quiet space or using noise-cancelling headphones.
Finish one task before starting another whenever you can.
Key Takeaway
Doing one thing at a time is not just about being more productive. It also helps reduce stress. By limiting interruptions and focusing on one task, your brain works more efficiently, you make fewer mistakes, remember more, and end the day feeling less overwhelmed and mentally drained.
Stress Factoid of the Week
Stress cases you to become more distractible, have trouble concentrating, make more mistakes, and feel like mental tasks require much more effort...which causes more stress. Task focusing can help reduce this stress. Nature Neuroscience