Picture this: You're preparing dinner while helping your child with homework and responding to work emails on your phone. You feel like a productivity superstar, juggling it all. But then the pasta overcooks, your child gets frustrated with the lack of attention, and that email? It’s full of typos. Multitasking often feels like the answer to managing a busy life, but does it really help, or does it set us up for failure?

Should you dive headfirst into the multitasking pool or stick to the tried-and-true method of single-tasking? While multitasking might seem like a productivity booster, research shows it often hinders performance because our brains struggle to juggle multiple tasks effectively. Let’s explore when multitasking works and when it doesn’t.

When Multitasking Works

Believe it or not, there are a few scenarios where multitasking can actually boost your productivity.

• Routine Tasks: Activities that are second nature, such as folding laundry while listening to a podcast, pair well because they don't demand high cognitive resources.

• Complementary Tasks: Let's say you're waiting for a software program to load. Instead of twiddling your thumbs, you could use that time to answer a few emails or respond to a text. This is a great way to maximize your time and minimize idle moments.

• The Illusion of Multitasking: A fascinating study from Wharton found that simply believing you're multitasking can actually improve your performance. When you break down a complex task into smaller, interconnected subtasks, your brain perceives it as multitasking, even if you're actually focusing on one thing at a time. This trick can help you stay focused and motivated.

When Multitasking Fails

While multitasking can be a helpful tool in certain situations, more often than not it's going to be a major productivity killer. Here's why:

• Cognitive Overload: Our brains aren't designed to juggle multiple demanding tasks simultaneously. When we switch between tasks rapidly, our brains have to constantly readjust their focus, which can lead to mental fatigue and decreased efficiency.

• Task Complexity: If you're trying to tackle a complex problem or creative project, multitasking is a recipe for disaster. Dividing your attention between multiple tasks can lead to errors, lower-quality work, and a general feeling of frustration.

• Distraction Central: Heavy multitaskers are more prone to distractions. A sudden notification, a ringing phone, or even a passing thought can easily derail your focus, making it difficult to get anything done.

According to Gloria Mark, a researcher at the University of California who studies digital distractions, switching focus after interruptions can be more time-consuming than we realize. Mark found that it takes about 23 minutes and 15 seconds to regain full focus after an interruption. So if you're in the zone, we recommend you staying there for a while to get things done!

The Verdict

• When to Say No: For tasks requiring deep focus—like writing, coding, or strategizing—single-tasking is the way to go. The quality of work suffers when attention is divided.

• When to Say Yes: Multitask when the activities are simple, complementary, or involve waiting. Just make sure the combination doesn’t stretch your focus too thin.

By understanding these nuances, you can strategically decide when multitasking aligns with your goals and when it might work against you.

Tips to Improve Focus on a Single Task

To improve focus on a single task, start by eliminating distractions. As mentioned before, it can take up to 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption, so consider using tools like Do Not Disturb modes on your phone or apps like "Focus@Will" that block distractions.

More tips to enhance your ability to focus on a single task:

• Create a Dedicated Workspace: Optimizing your workspace—by keeping it organized and clutter-free—can reduce cognitive load, making it easier to focus. Designating a specific area for work, free from distractions, helps your brain associate that space with concentration and productivity. Together, these strategies train your brain to stay on task for longer periods and improve your overall focus.

• Time Management Techniques: Time-blocking is a highly effective technique where you assign specific time slots to focus on tasks, followed by short breaks to refresh your mind. Similarly, the Pomodoro Technique breaks work into focused intervals, typically 25 minutes, with short breaks in between. These strategies help you maintain sustained concentration while avoiding burnout by giving your brain the necessary rest. By setting clear boundaries for work and rest, you can improve productivity and keep your energy levels steady throughout the day.

• Mindfulness and Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation to improve your ability to stay present and reduce mental clutter.

• Prioritize Tasks: To effectively focus on a single task, prioritize your workload. Create a to-do list and rank tasks by importance and urgency. Use productivity apps like Todoist, Complex.so or Trello to manage your list and break down large tasks. These tools can help you stay focused and efficient by tracking progress and setting deadlines.