We live in a busy world where a million things are happening at once.
For many of us, multitasking is a way to keep up with tasks and feel that we’re not getting left behind.
Here’s the problem: Only two percent of us multitask effectively. That means the remaining 98 percent are running around like headless chickens in the name of “productivity”.
What’s the deal?
Simply put, multitasking means trying to do more than one thing at a time. In the era of smartphones, tablets, and portable laptops, it’s easy to multitask without even realizing it.
Multitasking with a phone (or iPad, tablet, etc.) is so prevalent that one study even called it the “epidemic of distraction”. Contrary to popular thought, addiction to mobile electronic devices may actually impair multitasking, lower performance and result in cognitive overload.
As it turns out, our brains aren’t very good at doing more than one thing at a time. One study found that the brain may get overwhelmed when faced with multiple tasks. Researchers found that when we attempt to multitask, the brain “bottlenecks” the information and quickly moves its attention from one thing to the next, instead of addressing the items simultaneously. Rather than becoming more productive when faced with multiple tasks to accomplish at once, this suggests we really only become more frazzled—and thus less able to handle the challenges of a high workload.
Your action plan
While most of us are susceptible to multitasking, research suggests that people who have a harder time blocking out distractions and focusing on a single task are more likely to be multitaskers. Those of us who multitask often overestimate just how successful we are at doing so.
But there’s hope for us yet. Once you’re willing to accept that multitasking isn’t doing us any favors, follow these tips for focusing on one thing at a time—without sacrificing productivity.
* Put down the phone. Block out distractions while you work, hang out with friends, or play the guitar— turn off the phone, TV and anything else that draws you away from what you’re actually doing.
* Get into a routine. This can be helpful if you spend a good chunk of your day on the computer or working from home. Instead of diving in to tasks without planning, set up a schedule that tells you what to work on and when (and be sure to incorporate some breaks into the day). That way, you’ll know what to expect from yourself each time you sit down to work.
* Set goals. Know what you’re going to do before you start doing it. If you have no clear path, distractions can come easily. Before starting a new task, take a few minutes to plan out the steps you’ll need to complete and in what order—that way, you’ll be less able to wander. An important step of goal setting? A quality to-do list.
* Eat a good breakfast. Turns out taking a second to chow down on a healthy breakfast can help boost concentration and focus. Bonus points if that meal includes some protein.
* Meditate. Studies suggest that regular meditation can boost brain function and is associated with better focus and attention. It can also help reduce stress when a massive to-do list is looming.
* Listen well. We’re not being the most productive when we’re half listening to someone while checking our phone, Facebook and LinkedIn all at once (also, it’s just plain rude). To be a better listener (and get the info you need the first time), face the speaker and look him/her right in the eye, and stay present with the conversation. Who cares if you have 12 unread e-mails— this person deserves your attention.
* Cut out clutter. To help avoid distractions, stay organized. Find a place for everything on your desk, and keep your paperwork in order so you’re not wasting time searching through piles of files. This goes for your desktop: Keep files organized and close extra browser windows and taps so you can work with a clean screen. For an extra boost, apply some Feng Shui principles to your workspace.
* Give yourself a break. Catch yourself staring at your computer?
Literally, just staring at it? Probably, its ’time for a break. Studies show taking brief breaks during a task can improve focus. So take a walk around the block, get up and do some jumping jacks, or take five minutes to face the wall and breathe deep.
It’s good for you, and it’s good for your productivity.
It may not be easy to quit, but science tells us that multitasking is not all it’s cracked up to be. Staying focused and concentrating on one task at a time is worth a shot. And who knows? We may end up getting more done (and feeling a whole lot calmer) in the long run./ (greatist.com)
