The Key to Unlocking Your Full Potential, One Task at a Time
Let’s talk about Multitasking today!
Most people multitask on a daily basis, whether it's trying to have a conversation with a friend while scrolling through social media or attempting to finish two projects at the same time. In few words, Multitasking may seem like a great way to get more done in less time, but there are some dangers and risks associated with it.
Here are a couple of misconceptions we need to address:
Multitasking makes us more efficient.
In reality, multitasking can decrease our productivity and make it harder for us to concentrate on any one task. While we multitask, our brain has to switch back and forth between tasks, and this is one of the most common sources of mistakes.
Only certain people are capable of multitasking.
Everyone is capable of multitasking to some extent, and if it’s true that only 2,5% of the global population is able to multitask effectively, this doesn't mean that it's always a good idea. Our brains are not designed to handle multiple tasks at once, so even if we think we're good at multitasking, it can still have negative effects on our performance.
Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/science-clear-multitasking-doesnt-work/
3 risks of multitasking you need to know:
1. Multitasking has a negative impact on our health.
When we multitask, our body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can lead to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. In the long run, this can increase our risk of developing stress-related health problems like heart disease and anxiety disorders.
Source: https://www.niagarainstitute.com/blog/multitasker
2. Multitasking can harm our brain health.
Studies have shown that multitasking can actually shrink the brain's gray matter, which is responsible for memory, decision making, and emotion regulation. This can make it harder for us to learn and retain information, and can even lead to cognitive decline in older age.
Source: https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/study-multitasking-physically-shrinks-your-brain.html
3. Multitasking can have negative effects on our overall human wellness:
When we multitask, we often sacrifice quality for quantity, which can lead to a decrease in the overall satisfaction we get from our tasks. This can make us feel less fulfilled and less happy, which can have a negative impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
For example, let's say that you're trying to have a conversation with a friend while also scrolling through your social media feed. You're likely not giving your full attention to either task, which means that you're not fully engaging with your friend and you're not fully enjoying the content on your social media feed. This can lead to a decrease in the quality of your conversation and a decrease in your enjoyment of social media, which can have negative effects on your overall well-being.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbradberry/2014/10/08/multitasking-damages-your-brain-and-career-new-studies-suggest/?sh=307c77a456ee
In conclusion, multitasking may seem like a great way to get more done in less time, but it can actually have negative effects on our health, brain, and overall human wellness.
Instead of multitasking, it's important to focus on one task at a time and give it our full attention. This can help us be more productive and lead healthier, happier lives.
