Does multi-tasking hurt or help? That’s easy. According to many “experts”, multi-tasking hurts. That being said, their viewpoint and research doesn’t stop me or most people I know from adeptly or fumbling through multi-tasking every day. Here’s what the “experts” found. It’s detrimental to productivity, work quality, and focus as explained in more depth below. More importantly, I wish to point out that multitasking, at times, is dangerous. Think about the number of accidents caused by inattentive or distracted drivers or pedestrians while scrolling through cell phones or applying makeup.
Increased stress levels arising from attending to multiple simultaneous tasks potentially raises blood pressure, elevates your heartrate, exacerbates brain fog, and intensifies physical and mental exhaustion. Switching incessantly between activities leads to reduced efficiency as the brain attempts to process multiple unrelated pieces of information or segue from one activity’s steps to another and back. Careless errors and inattentiveness result because you’re not fully present in what you’re doing. Performance suffers and interactions with others are strained as they sense that you’re not entirely or even remotely engaged. You’ve likely seen this in restaurants. One partner, bored and irritated, awaits for the other to put the phone down.
Forbes Magazine[1] cited a study by the University of London in which multi-tasking participants, in the midst of certain cognitive tasks, experienced IQ declines on par with rates expected after smoking marijuana or pulling all-nighters. [However, I couldn’t confirm the existence of this study.]
From that same Forbes article, research out of the University of Sussex[2] indicated that fMRI scans of brain density in the anterior cingulate cortex[3] showed less gray matter in the study participants who frequently use several media devices simultaneously. Researchers surmise there’s a link between “high concurrent media usage” and changes in brain structure. However, they also note that those with less-dense gray matter may be more attracted to multi-tasking, so additional studies are recommended regarding causation[4]. The anterior cingulate cortex is “a component of the limbic system. It is involved in processing emotions and behavior regulation. It also helps to regulate autonomic motor function”[5].
Be aware of multi-tasking overload. Manage your activities to suit your brain and lifestyle in a healthy way. Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay
What is multi-tasking and why do we do it if it’s harmful? Multi-tasking is when we perform more than one task simultaneously or rapidly switch back and forth between activities. I for one, have always been a rabid multi-tasker. Two primary reasons are efficiency and because my brain thrives on constant stimulation. I’m discerning about the types of tasks that I do simultaneously. In fact, I often recommend to clients who struggle self-motivating or finding time to do menial tasks, that “light” multi-tasking can be an optimal way to accomplish two things at once. Be aware of multi-tasking overload. Manage your activities to suit your brain and lifestyle in a healthy way.
What is “light” multi-tasking? Those are tasks, chores, or activities that don’t require intense concentration, and are often monotonous. For instance, when you’re on hold with the cable company, grab a dust rag or a dry mop to do some light cleaning. Toss in a load of laundry while you’re catching up long distance with your best friend. Iron clothes while watching tv, of course, being careful to avoid burning your clothes or injuring yourself. I wouldn’t recommend this if you’re accident prone. Listen to your favorite podcast while exercising to make strenuous fitness routines more palatable. Workouts will seem to go faster as you lose yourself in another episode on your podcast list. Pay bills while dinner cooks or while waiting for kids’ sports practice or dance class to end.
As for why do we multi-task if it’s harmful? There are many activities that humans do that are potentially harmful such as smoking, over-eating, driving too fast, driving while impaired, and so on. We know they’re detrimental, but we gain some sort of benefit so we do them anyway. If you choose to multi-task, choose juggling tasks that won’t lead to overt harm for yourself or others.
Successful multi-tasking depends on a person’s ability to attend to more than one action. I know some people with brain-based challenges who choose not to listen to their car radio while driving out of concern for unanticipated distractions. Notice what activities pair up easily, make adjustments to fit your capacity, capabilities, and safety needs.
Finally, keep ineffectual distractions to a minimum such as social media, cell phone notifications, email alerts, irritating noises, extreme temperatures, ineffective lighting, and uncomfortable clothes so that you can concentrate on the things you actually need or wish to accomplish with greater alacrity whether one at a time or two birds with one stone.
FYI, this article was also picked up for publication in 50Plus Magazine. Check it out along with other useful guidance in each issue for the 50+ demographic.
[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2014/10/08/multitasking-damages-your-brain-and-career-new-studies-suggest/?sh=4f62173256ee
[2] https://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/26540
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4174517/
[4] https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/467495
[5] https://www.physio-pedia.com
