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Did you know that multitasking can actually harm your brain?
- Virginie Gloor
- May 18, 2023
- 2 min read
I often work with colleagues or coachees who feel like they need to multitask to stay on top of their busy lives.
However, did you know that multitasking can actually harm your brain?
In this article, we'll dive deeper into what happens in the brain when someone is multitasking, as well as show its negative effects on productivity and brain health.
When you try to do multiple things at once, your brain has to constantly switch back and forth between tasks. This constant switching requires your brain to use more energy and causes it to become less efficient at completing tasks. In fact, research has shown that multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40% (1).
But why is multitasking so detrimental to our brain health?
When we try to focus on multiple things at once, our prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and focus, becomes overwhelmed.
As a result, we become less efficient at completing tasks and are more prone to making mistakes (2).
This can also lead to feelings of stress and anxiety, which can further harm our overall well-being.
Additionally, studies have shown that multitasking can actually cause damage to our brain's gray matter, which is responsible for processing information and decision-making (3).
This damage can lead to long-term effects, such as reduced cognitive function and memory loss.
What can we do to avoid multitasking and protect our brain health?
The key is to focus on one task at a time.
By prioritizing our tasks and giving each one our full attention, we can increase our productivity and reduce the risk of brain damage.
Another strategy is to eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone notifications, close your email, and find a quiet place to work on tasks that require your full attention. This will help you stay focused and complete tasks more efficiently.
In conclusion, multitasking may seem like a good way to get more done in less time, but in reality, it can harm our brain health and reduce productivity.
By focusing on one task at a time and eliminating distractions, we can protect our brain health and achieve our goals more efficiently.
So, the next time you feel the urge to multitask, remember that your brain will thank you for focusing on one thing at a time.
References:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-babble/201301/the-true-cost-multi-tasking
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/why-multitasking-is-bad-for-your-brain#1
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