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Mind the Multitasking

A Woman in the Kitchen Looking at the Computer Cooking; Multitasking; Distractions. IStock# 476295592.

Does multitasking really make you more productive?

Your brain is wired to perform one task at a time. When you "multitask," your brain is actually switching between tasks, which increases fatigue and decreases efficiency and performance.

SCIENCE SAYS:

Multitasking does not form a path to productivity. Forcing your mind to quickly, repeatedly switch back and forth between tasks exhausts the frontal lobe of your brain, slowing down abilities like movement, language and higher-level executive functions.

BEGIN BY:

  • Reflecting upon when and how you usually multitask, and the impact
  • Adjusting your schedule and planning ways to prioritize focus time for important tasks
  • Being mindful and intentional: Single-task to give your efforts the attention they deserve
  • Following internal cues, like pausing to make notes when you have a spontaneous idea, and taking periodic brain breaks to refresh and build stamina

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