Multitasking is overrated
If you’re like many people, you spend much of your time multitasking. You might be so used to it that you don’t even realize when you’re doing it. Many people believe that multitasking saves them time. But it doesn’t. It’s better to focus instead of multitasking. Focusing lets you concentrate on one task or thought at a time, helping you get better results.
Many people like to multitask because they become bored working on one task at a time. But why is multitasking bad?
For starters, every time you switch to a different task, your mind has to change into the right mindset for the new task. You have to take the time to remember where you left off.
- Multitasking leads to attention and memory loss. According to a study by Harvard Professor Clifford Nass, in findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, people who use online social media and other forms of electronic communications have trouble focusing their attention and have lower scores on memory tests.
- Cognitive performance is diminished. A recent study by Zheng Wang, a professor at Ohio State University, showed that multitasking caused students to feel more productive, but showed they were actually reducing their cognitive skills abilities.
- It turns people off. If you only pay half attention to them, answering texts and phone calls while talking to them, you will lose their respect.
- Multitaskers lose productivity. Switching between tasks is counterproductive. You lose time and concentration every time you switch to a different task.
- Multitaskers are less likely to do quality work. They may finish all their tasks for the day, but they will most likely be sub-par than if they had focused solely on one till it was done and then went on to the next one.
Multitasking makes it difficult to focus entirely on each task you are doing. You are thinking about emails you have to respond to when writing a report and the phone calls you need to return even while you are thinking about the next task on your to-do list. This type of working environment doesn’t do anything but cause you stress. Instead of multitasking among several tasks, you should prioritize your tasks and break them up into workable time chunks.
Tips to improve focus.
Maybe you want to focus on a single task but find yourself easily distracted. You find it difficult to focus on what you’re doing because you find your mind wandering. You’re worrying about everything or maybe you just have way too many things you need to do.
Here are some valuable tips on how to improve focus.
Meditate.
Try to allocate at least 30 minutes each day to meditate. If you can’t dedicate that much time you can still do a short breathing exercise. Focus on your breathing, really focusing on the air, how it touches your nostrils and enters your lips. How does it feel as it escapes? Your mind may wander, filling with endless amount of thoughts. When this happens bring your thoughts back to focusing on your breathing. Continue this process for several minutes. Regulating your breathing relaxes your circulatory system and brings you a sense of peace.
Listen to music.
Listen to music to help improve your focus. Really concentrate and try to focus on a single instrument.
Cut goals into small targets.
Focusing on a large goal can be overwhelming because it may seem like you’re not making any progress.
For example, your goal might be to get a degree in web design and it seems like you’ve been taking classes forever. Instead of working toward the ultimate end goal, break it down into smaller, more achievable goals that you can reach within a few days. A smaller goal might be to study for and pass an upcoming test or learn a specific skill. Write all these smaller goals down and cross them off your list as you achieve them.
Time clock.
Work within your body’s most comfortable time period. Maybe you work best early in the morning before sunrise. Or late at night. Work when you are most productive. For example, many authors get up early to do their writing, while artists often do their best work late at night.
Light meals.
Have you ever eaten a big meal for lunch when working only to feel lethargic and weighed down all afternoon? Eating a heavy meal slows you down and makes you sleepy. If you need or want to, you can go on a small juice fast on a regular basis. It will keep you alert and help keep your body in good physical condition.
Exercise.
Exercise your mind and body every day. Do crossword puzzles. Engage in lively discussions. Build something that’s creative. Go on 30 minute walk every day.
Force yourself.
You may need to push yourself some when you’re feeling lazy. If you are hitting a mental roadblock, though, take some time away from the task. Do something else until you can regain your focus on the original task.
Learning to improve your focus will take time, but it’s worth it. Begin by implementing one or two of these tips into your day to begin improving your ability to focus.
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