Overcoming the Ineffectiveness of Multitasking

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Overcoming the Ineffectiveness of Multitasking
We feel good when we multitask because we believe we're more efficient. That's not true. Here's the truth about multitasking and how you can really get things done.
BY DEBBIE MANDEL

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Unplug in the bedroom and focus on your sleeping and together time.

“ Multitasking is analogous to those endless to-do lists we adhere to which ultimately leads to stress, exhaustion and a spirit-depleting lifestyle.”

Multitasking in our technology-overloaded lives is a given. Many of us still believe in the myth that we are more productive when we multitask, but research proves us wrong. Single tasking, one focused assignment after the other, is the most effective method for accomplishment. Daily juggling dilutes, depletes, depresses and oh that stress! But it’s not over. How many of you take your smartphones to bed with you? So why do we still multitask?

3 Effects of Multitasking

* Technology overload plays havoc with focus and increases the need for distraction to self-soothe

* The more you multitask, your brain gets used to the habit

* Multitasking gives you emotional rewards

Professor Zheng Wang from Ohio State University studied college students who were studying and watching TV at the same time. He concluded that the students seemed to be wrong about their perceptions regarding the positive feelings they received from multitasking. They were not being more productive, and in fact, watching TV impaired their studying. They did, however, feel more relaxed and entertained; Wang labels this as emotional satisfaction.

Surveys show that multitasking is here to stay, even if it impairs productivity—and for many couples their relationship. I don’t know about you, but when I have a conversation with my husband, I want his undivided attention! Multitasking is analogous to those endless to-do lists we adhere to, which ultimately leads to stress, exhaustion and a spirit-depleting lifestyle. Romance falls by the wayside. However, this stressful habit, which pulls us in different directions can be changed with awareness.

Here Are 5 Easy Steps to Greater Productivity

1. Get back to basics. Focus on the ABC of things when you are doing more, but accomplishing less. Stop, breathe and simplify your execution.

2. Find a hobby. A hobby is restorative because you are passionate about it. You will re-habituate to single-minded attention by letting your brain sense how good it feels.

3. Create a technology free zone in the bedroom. Sleep is an important single task—don’t dilute and multitask. Turn your cell phone off while you sleep. The artificial blue light wakes up the brain and the ping of a call, text or e-mail is disruptive to your sleep and your spouse’s. Don’t wake up with a sleep deficit because you will be stressed as soon as your day begins.

4. Reset your natural rhythm periodically during the day. This is as easy as going outside, opening a window or keeping a plant on your desk.

5. Find your energy and happiness. Be aware that you are not the best gauge of how impaired you are cognitively. You might be overriding fatigue, burnout, distraction, and the inability to finish projects. Don’t accept chronic stress as a norm. You don’t always have to run and juggle at the same time. Put one foot in front of the other in your life’s journey.

Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of "Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life," "Changing Habits: The Caregivers' Total Workout" and "Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul," a stress-reduction specialist, a radio show host and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. To learn more visit: www.turnonyourinnerlight.com.

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