In today’s fast world, it often feels like we’re all in a marathon with no finish line. Busy schedules, multiple appointments, constant email notifications, family and social obligations can be overwhelming. This is the reality of the time we live in. The expectations are high, the pressure is real, and distractions are endless.

Given all the external pressures, how we manage them can make us a productivity champion or a surviving species. The major and most underestimated productivity killer is ‘multitasking’. Yes, some people take pride mastering the art of multitasking but it’s also the root cause of burnout and stress. This blog dives into remaining ‘highly’ productive without multitasking.

What is multitasking?

Have you found yourself scrolling on your phone while the TV is on? Or maybe your partner or child has become upset because you were half-listening during the conversation? Or do you check your emails while making a meal? Or maybe gone to bed feeling depressed with all the pending tasks despite doing so much. Do not worry, we’re in the same boat. And it’s not a health matter either. In simple words, you’re trapped in ‘multitasking’ phenomenon, when your brain is simultaneously occupied with multiple tasks. You could be:

• Listening to music while writing college or project report,
• Watching a series or sports match while cooking
• Checking your phone notifications while having a dinner with family or friends
• Responding to messages/ emails during work meetings

Science tells you that women are better at multitasking than men, but it doesn’t encourage you to make it a habit. Neuroscience says that the human brain can’t perform two high-focus tasks at the same time. Multitasking can cause both psychological and social disruption. Multi-taskers have lower concentration levels and reduced ability to filter distractions. And no one is to be blamed. Just ‘simple and smart’ choices help achieve maximum results with minimal efforts.

“The shortest way to do many things is to do only one thing at once.” Mozart

The Positive and Negative Sides of Multitasking

The Positives: People known for multitasking may show higher productivity by:

• Completing several tasks within 24 hours
• Working while engaging on social media
• Managing parenting duties while running a side-hustle or business

These situations create an illusion of productivity where doing more is welcomed. These are usually low-focus activities which are harmless: getting ready for work while listening to News or listening to music while jogging/ running etc. However, the multitasking activities require decision-making with real efforts and emotional presence.  

The Negatives: Conversely, research shows that multitasking reduces about 40% productivity and results to higher error rates. In the long terms, it leads to increased stress and anxiety, poor sleep and diet and feeling of being behind everyone and everything.

Studies also shows that multitasking temporarily lowers IQ scores as much as staying awake all night. Therefore, always remember that ‘what feels like efficiency can lead to physical and mental exhaustion’.  

Causes behind Multitasking

We live in an environment of persistent interruptions by notifications on our phone. These prompt us to attend multiple tasks even when we’re not required to. The cultural emphasis on ‘busyness’ often leads people to satisfy others’ expectations. This tendency of being alert 24/7 has created an environment of hustle for everyone at home and workplace.

• Multitasking overwhelms body and mind: Our brain relies on the prefrontal cortex for focusing, planning and decision-making. It becomes overworked when we’re constantly engaged in multitasking. Hence, this leads to stress and our body reacts as it it’s under a threat.
• Poor time management: Everyone has 24 hours on a day and how we use this period make the real difference. When we rush to do everything quickly leads to feeling ‘behind’ at the end of the day as nothing feels ‘completed’. Instead, focusing on one task at a time keeps the momentum.
• Focusing on process than outcome: There’s always someone in our life _be it in a family or workplace_ who loves ‘micro-management’. They may treat every task as a life and death mission. They unintentionally create stress, chaos and emotional exhaustion for themselves and others. They should recognize that not all tasks or responsibilities need to be perfect. We need to recognize the difference:
  • Active Actions: Tasks that don’t require planning or emotional investment like cooking, cleaning, replying to emails or going for a walk.
  • Responsive Actions: Tasks that require creativity, decision-making and emotional presence like running a business, hosting an event or buying a car or home etc.

Our brain becomes overwhelmed when we treat active actions like responsive actions and productivity drops.

• Taking on too many responsibilities: We sometime accept every responsibility that’s presented to us, which creates high internal & external expectations. Like you, I’ve been in those situations personally and professionally. This leads to high pressure, fear of judgement and failure if unsuccessful; thus, multitasking becomes our coping mechanism. This is when burnout begins.

“You can do anything, but you can’t do everything” David Allen

Productivity Solutions Without Multitasking

Breaking multi-tasking habit may not be possible in today’s digital world. Here are some tips to help you gain control of your emotional wellbeing and productivity:

A. Set Your Priorities First

It doesn’t have to be to-do-list, top 3/5 lists or deep planning but having clear mindset on important tasks. We sometimes leave the hardest tasks for later part of the day when our energy is drained. Prioritizing helps channel our energy towards physically and mentally demanding actions. This may sound fitting for professionals but remaining productive is the goal of every student, parent or housewife. So, with focused mind, we enjoy every role we’re performing.

B. Learn to Say NO

Yes, it sounds cliché, but it’s the best productivity mantra. Saying NO doesn’t translate to being a bad person but is a simple act of mindfulness. When we say No, we:

• Set realistic expectations and healthy boundaries
• Protect our energy and time
• Prevent excessive burnout
• Create an environment of honesty and respect

In the short-term, it may be called an ‘act of selfishness’ but you’ll reap the outcome in the long-term.

C. Delegate than Do Everything

Competitive jobs demand to engage in multitasking even at the cost of quality outcome. Repeated errors, anxiety and burnout are the common indicators of multitasking effects. While consistent performance and sustainable results come from shared responsibility.  People who tend to do everything find delegation a sign of weakness while some have trust issues. Sharing responsibilities creates trust, and balance both at work and at home.

D. Ask for Help

It’s not a sign of incompetence but a strategic choice to protect your wellbeing and productivity. Studies show that sharing workload reduces cognitive overload and improves performance. Asking for help shows emotional intelligence and self-awareness as we’re not built to function everything especially during high-pressure times. Whether you’re juggling family duties, navigating a new career or business, collaboration than carrying every burden creates trust and resilience. Your true friends and family will welcome to be part of your little achievements.

E. Celebrate Little Wins

Feeling overwhelmed is a natural result of excessively multitasking. We’re always in haste to gain financial and social triumph. One task is completed, and we’re focused on another one – a cycle of unending work. Celebrating small wins is an effective act of self-preservation and mindfulness. Every little milestone fuels the brain’s reward system reminding that progress is happening even if the goal feels far away. Celebrating our progress creates momentum and the path to success becomes joyful – one step at a time.   

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in a day out” Robert Collier

As humans, we are created to live our life’s dreams and ambitions without sacrificing our wellbeing. We’re designed to live with a purpose. Living in a constant overwhelm takes away the meaning of our living. Productivity is not measured by how many tasks we completed but by presence and purposes. By choosing mindful habits, you can not only reclaim your peace but also show up 100 percent every day. As my final though, “let’s do what matters!”

Choose Focus. Choose Intention. Choose Peace.

Jawad Jahid