Doing more than one thing at once, especially on screens, can become addictive, which harms the functioning of our brain and nervous system.
Overview
What if the productivity habit most people rely on every day is actually exhausting the brain, weakening focus, and reducing performance? Researchers from the Center for BrainHealth say that is exactly the risk of "toxic multitasking."In a recent interview with The Washington Post, Chief Director of Center for BrainHealth Sandi Chapman, PhD, argues that "toxic multitasking" creates the illusion of productivity while actually reducing cognitive performance.“”
"Multitasking is often seen as a sign of high productivity. Unfortunately, your brain experiences it as a performance bottleneck. ... When you switch between tasks, your brain doesn't instantly reset. It burns through your mental energy. Your brain works harder and produces less."
Dr. Sandi Chapman
Chapman explains that constant task-switching depletes mental energy, impairs attention, contributes to stress and emotional strain, and can ultimately lead to burnout and brain fog. "Usually, the first symptom of toxic multitasking is emotional strain."Today’s technology-driven culture encourages fragmented attention, but Chapman argues that the antidote to toxic multitasking lies in our ability to intentionally reclaim and protect our focus. "With this one simple change, many people notice an immediate improvement in their focus, mental energy and productivity, according to Chapman. Start today by minimizing distractions, working on one thing at a time, taking regular screen-free brain breaks, and treating attention as a limited resource worth protecting. Read the full story at the Washington Post
