Do you ever catch yourself responding to emails while on a call, or swiftly switching between several tasks?
That’s multitasking for you, a common practice for many. But have you considered what happens in your brain during these task switches?
In today’s article, we’ll cover the different ways that multitasking is beneficial — and also the reasons it can be a bad thing.
It’s important to understand whether multitasking is saving you time, or causing you additional stress and mental strain. This is particularly useful for professionals in certain industries. Let’s get started!
What is multitasking?
Essentially, multitasking means working on two or more tasks or projects concurrently, switching back and forth from one thing to another, with the hope of accomplishing more in less time.
It can be something as simple as responding to emails while listening to a career development podcast. On the other end of the spectrum, however, it could involve preparing a presentation while writing a presentation — while proofreading a colleague’s article, speaking to a client over the phone, monitoring the company’s social media accounts, and chatting with your cubicle neighbor. Whew.
Now that you have a basic understanding of what multitasking is, let’s delve into the pros and cons of this approach to getting things done.
The pros of multitasking
Multitasking is more than juggling tasks; it’s a strategy that, when used wisely, can offer numerous benefits. Here’s a glance at 10 advantages of multitasking:
1. Saves time
Okay, the biggest reason people even consider getting good with multitasking is to save time. There are many situations where knocking out two or three things at the same time is efficient.
For example, a mom cooking dinner could get some light cleaning done while waiting on water to boil. Cooking in the oven? That’s usually a good 20 to 40 minutes.
In a more professional setting, let’s say you have some notes to drop by another department, but you have a meeting coming up across the building or on another floor. If you were to take the notes with you and make a quick detour to drop them off, you wouldn’t have to worry about doing later.
2. Enhances flexibility
Think about a time when you had to quickly switch gears from one task to another. That’s where the benefits of multitasking shine. It’s not just about doing multiple tasks simultaneously; it’s about enhancing your flexibility. You become more adaptable to changing situations.
This ability to perform different tasks, and to switch between them, boosts your adaptability in the workplace. Whether it’s responding to a sudden client request or handling unexpected problems, multitasking trains your brain to be nimble and responsive.
3. Improves time management
Multitasking goes beyond handling several tasks at once; it’s an essential aspect of time management. It involves learning to prioritize and arrange various tasks effectively.
Consider this: when multitasking, you’re continuously evaluating the importance of each task, deciding what requires immediate attention and what can be postponed. This process sharpens your ability to distribute your time and resources wisely.
Engaging in multiple tasks at the same time isn’t only about getting things done; it’s about mastering time management techniques. This helps with the balancing act of different responsibilities to boost productivity.
4. Increases adaptability
Adaptability is increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced environment, and multitasking effectively enhances this skill. It involves training your brain to smoothly transition between tasks, and adapting quickly to new challenges.
This skill is especially beneficial when sudden changes occur, allowing for a swift and efficient response. Regularly switching tasks keeps the brain agile, but it also requires downtime to rest. For example, if you’re a morning person, do a burst of multitasking early on, take a break, and then do another burst in the afternoon or evening.
5. Boosts efficiency
Multitasking can significantly maximize productivity, particularly with tasks that are less complex and that demand less cognitive effort. By engaging in activities like listening to informative podcasts while organizing your workspace, you can effectively double your productivity. This method is especially beneficial for routine or repetitive tasks, allowing you to make the most of your time.
By smartly combining such tasks, you not only complete them faster but also add value to moments that might otherwise be less productive. The key to harnessing this efficiency boost is choosing the right tasks to combine — ones that complement rather than compete for your attention.
6. Improves problem solving
Multitasking, when practiced effectively, can significantly enhance problem-solving skills.
By engaging in multiple tasks simultaneously, you’re essentially giving your brain a robust workout, boosting its agility and adaptability. This heightened mental activity is akin to putting your brain into overdrive, fostering quick decision-making and creative problem-solving abilities.
In fast-paced environments, whether in the workplace or at home, this ability to rapidly adjust and respond to varying challenges is invaluable. The constant evaluation and reprioritization of tasks that come with multitasking also cultivate a sharper, more resilient mind, ready to tackle complex situations with ease.
7. Stimulates mental activity
Engaging in multitasking is akin to putting your brain through a vigorous workout, one that keeps your cognitive functions finely tuned and in top shape. This mental gymnastics not only enhances mental agility but also promotes cognitive health in a similar way that physical exercise strengthens muscles.
By regularly switching between different tasks, the brain is trained to process information more quickly and efficiently, fostering quicker thought processes and improved focus. This ongoing stimulation is crucial for keeping the mind sharp and agile, especially in environments that demand rapid adaptation and quick decision-making.
8. Provides a range of skills
Multitasking is not just a means to an end for ticking off tasks; it’s a dynamic method for enhancing a broad spectrum of professional skills. When you’re engaged in multiple activities, such as drafting a report while monitoring your child’s soccer practice, you’re doing more than just juggling tasks.
This process hones a diverse range of abilities, from developing analytical thinking and strategic planning skills in a professional setting to nurturing attentive and responsive parenting techniques. Such multitasking scenarios provide a rich ground for sharpening various competencies, making you more adaptable and well-rounded in different aspects of life.
9. Promotes learning
Possessing the ability of multitasking can be a super tool for learning, especially when you’re dealing with a variety of tasks across different topics. It’s like having a buffet of knowledge, where you get to sample all sorts of skills and information. This variety can speed up your learning process.
However, when it comes to deeply understanding complex subjects, it’s best to slow down and focus on one thing at a time. This approach helps you soak up information more effectively and build a solid understanding.
10. Fosters creativity
Learning to quickly switch between tasks can be a surprising catalyst for creativity. When you switch between different tasks, especially those that vary significantly in nature, it encourages your brain to form unique connections and fosters innovative thinking.
This process expands your thought processes by exposing you to a diverse tapestry of experiences and perspectives, which, in turn, enriches your creative capabilities. The act of handling various tasks challenges your brain to approach problems from different angles, leading to more creative and out-of-the-box solutions.
The cons of multitasking
While multitasking may have its advantages, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Let’s take a closer look at some of the downsides you should be aware of.
1. Reduces focus
A major hurdle in multitasking is keeping your focus razor-sharp. When your attention is divided among several tasks, it’s tough to concentrate fully on any one of them. This often results in a fragmented focus, diminishing your effectiveness on individual tasks.
Picture trying to watch two different TV shows simultaneously; you only grasp fragments of each without truly understanding either.
For tasks that demand deep concentration or precision, it’s wiser to approach them one at a time. This method ensures each task gets the focused attention it needs, leading to superior results and a more focused mindset.
2. Compromises quality of work
One of the key drawbacks of multitasking is the risk of compromising work quality. Dividing your attention among multiple tasks can make it difficult to focus in detail on each one.
Consider the scenario where you’re cooking, answering emails and assisting with homework all at once. You might complete all these tasks, but probably not as effectively as if you tackled them separately.
This issue becomes more critical in professional environments where high quality and accuracy are essential. Recognizing when to multitask and when to concentrate on a single task is crucial for preserving the quality of your work.
3. Increases stress levels
Dealing with a major work project, responding to personal messages and taking occasional online shopping breaks is a common scenario in modern life. This constant switching between different tasks can lead to a significant increase in stress levels.
The brain, striving to keep up with this flurry of activities, often feels the strain, manifesting in feelings of overwhelm, anxiety and increased irritability. It’s the mental toll of tracking multiple activities that can be exhausting, resembling a never-ending marathon for the brain.
Learning to recognize when you’re overextended and allowing yourself moments to step back and breathe is essential for managing this stress.
4. Creates mental fatigue
One of the significant downsides of multitasking is mental fatigue. When you’re constantly bouncing between tasks, it’s like running a mental marathon without any breaks. Each switch requires your brain to refocus, a process that consumes energy and cognitive resources.
Over time, this relentless shifting can leave you mentally drained, akin to the exhaustion you feel after a long day of physical labor. This fatigue can blur your focus, making even straightforward tasks seem more challenging, and demanding more effort than they usually would.
5. Leads to inefficiency
Recognizing the inefficiencies of multitasking can lead to significant improvements in time management and overall productivity. When you become aware that switching between tasks is not always the most efficient approach, it encourages a shift towards more focused and dedicated work on single tasks.
This shift not only enhances the quality of your output but also streamlines your workflow, leading to more effective use of your time. By prioritizing tasks based on their nature and your personal efficiency in handling them, you can optimize your productivity, ensuring that each task receives the attention it deserves.
6. Increases errors
With mental fatigue comes a higher likelihood of errors. Imagine trying to cook a complex meal while also engaging in a deep conversation. You’re more likely to overlook an ingredient, get the amount wrong, or forget a step along the way.
The concept remains the same when switching between multiple tasks at the same time. It divides your attention, details become easier to overlooked, and mistakes become more likely. Although errors could be considered minor, several small errors can build up and create major problems later on.
7. Impairs memory
Another drawback of multitasking is its impact on memory. When your focus is split between various tasks, your brain doesn’t always effectively process or store information. It’s like trying to file papers in a hurry; you might put them in the wrong folders or even lose some along the way.
This scattergun approach can lead to gaps in memory, making it harder to recall details or information when you need them. It’s especially problematic when dealing with complex tasks that require deep understanding or learning.
8. Results in emotional drain
Eventually, if you’re always multitasking, you’ll become emotionally drained. This will result in fatigue, making it harder to maintain multiple tasks. If you don’t give yourself time to rest, it can increase your stress levels. For those with anxiety disorders, additional stress can also make anxiety worse.
Other side effects to always being on the go include irritability, and feeling like you’ll never catch up on your tasks. It could also reduce your emotional satisfaction to getting things done quickly. For example, you may begin to feel like some things could have been done with a higher quality or better accomplished if done as a single task.
9. Hampers creativity
While it might seem efficient, it can inadvertently hamper your creativity. When you’re rapidly switching between tasks, there’s little room for your mind to wander and explore creative ideas. It’s akin to painting a picture in a hurry; you miss out on the opportunity to experiment with different colors and strokes.
Creative thinking flourishes with uninterrupted time, which is often scarce in a multitasking environment. Dedicating specific time to creative endeavors, away from the distractions and rapid pace of multitasking, is crucial for nurturing an inventive and innovative mindset.
10. Impacts learning
Although perhaps contradictive to what we explored earlier, multitasking can also impact the effectiveness of your learning. When splitting your focus between tasks, it can be hard to absorb and retain new information.
For example, scrolling through your phone while listening to a lecture will often cause you to miss key points. Even though you could hear the whole thing.
This split focus hinders deep understanding and meaningful engagement with the content, making it difficult to grasp complex concepts or develop a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. Consequently, multitasking in learning environments can be more of a hindrance than a help.
Want to boost your productivity? Watch our video and learn how to stop wasting time at work:
Final thoughts
In conclusion, the act of multitasking can be a double-edged sword. While it does offer the efficiency and ability to complete multiple tasks in a shorter period of time, it can also cause you to slow down, be less productive, and potentially make you mentally and/or physically sick.
Remember: balance is the key to making multitasking worthwhile. The moment you begin noticing your work performance is going down, or that you’re feeling sluggish, slow down. Take a break from doing everything at once. If you simply cannot put off your list of tasks, go back to doing one task in order of most importance. This will still help give your brain time to rest.
Are you for or against multitasking? Let us know in the comments section below.