We multitask to get more done. However, research suggests multitaskers do less and do it less well. Here are a few research findings on why we should break the habit of multitasking.
- Multitasking slows you down and takes more time in the end.
- More errors occur while multitasking than when single-tasking.
- Spending time on multiple devices such as texting and watching TV can potentially cause brain damage.
If you want to become more productive, try doing one activity at a time. Here are five ways to stop multitasking and become more productive.
Five Ways to Stop Multitasking
1. Batching – Do you know someone who eats one thing at a time from their plate? That is an excellent example of batching.
My mom was great at batching. She would cook dinner in the early morning. When finished with dinner, she might sweep. After that, she moved on to the next thing. She accomplished everything needed for that day without being overwhelmed by her many tasks.
Practice batching by finishing one job before moving on to the next. Prioritize your work. Avoid perfectionism! Please do your best and leave it alone, or revisit it later.
2. Mindfulness – Are your thoughts constantly wandering away from what you are doing? This way of thinking is the opposite of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is investing yourself to where you are. Once, as a busy mom and music student, I was taking an organ lesson. My thoughts were everywhere because of my hectic week. My music professor said to me, “Be here; now.” That was my introduction to mindfulness.
Practice mindfulness by focusing entirely on one task at a time. Every time you become distracted, bring your mind back to your task. Eventually, you will learn to be more focused.
3. Tech time. – We love our smartphones. However, technology can be a significant intruder in our lives. How much of this intrusion is urgent? Little to none.
Break the habit of constantly checking email and texts. Let voicemail take your non-urgent calls. Establish an emergency “chain-of-contacts” with your loved ones. Then, schedule times during the day to “check-in” with your texts and email.
4. Alone Time.” Schedule time alone each day to get yourself going or to unwind. By the time we kids woke up each morning, my mom would be sitting, reading her Bible, and enjoying her “Alone Time.”
Schedule a regular alone time. Enjoy a relaxing bubble bath, meditate, or play a game on your phone. Try to avoid the intrusion of Facebook and texting doing your alone time.
5. Time-Out. Try relaxing from your hectic routine by taking a time-out day.
Try getting your entire family to take a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly “stay-cation.” Take the day off and keep on your pajamas. Take naps or play some board games. Bake some cookies. Catch up on laundry. Believe it or not, the world can keep functioning for one day without us!
Changing from multitasking to single-tasking is possible with practice. Your immediate rewards will include less stress. You will begin to accomplish more in every area of your life.
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Thank you for these awesome tips! I am the queen at trying to multi-task & I feel like I never get anything done or accomplished. Now I understand why & have some great tips.
Thank you, Glori! Let us know how you do with this.