The Case Against Multitasking

When it comes to studying, it turns out less is actually more. Fewer tasks, less clutter, and less ambitiousness can all lead to more doing, and in many cases less time spent getting the same amount of work completed.

So before you go trying to squeak chapters of your textbook in between cooking dinner and writing a to-do list, here’s why multitasking is not the right approach.

Reason #1 Studies have shown that only 2% of people actually can multitask effectively. Sad to say, but it’s a pretty safe bet that you can let go of any task-juggling talents you thought you had.

Reason #2 Monotasking yields better results. Whether or not you can multitask still doesn’t mean you’re doing better work than you would when you’re simply focused on one thing at a time. If you study for a class for at least an hour before getting up to do something else, for example, you’ll get more out of your study time.

Reason #3 Multitasking can do more harm than good. Similarly, by multitasking you’re forcing your brain to switch between subjects, ideas, and sometimes even languages. By distracting your focus you open yourself up to mistakes you wouldn’t have made were you to have focused on one task.

Reason #4 Monotasking keeps you over the technological influence. Aside from boosting your quality of work, monotasking is good practice for keeping a disciplined mind, an especially important quality in an age where so many things are constantly fighting for our ears and eyes.

Reason #5 It stresses you out. Multitasking purposely and unnecessarily puts your brain on high alert, something that’s never good for stress levels. Slow down and reap the relaxing benefits.

Reason #6 Finally, the Clown Study. This one refutes multitasking in life.  A Western Washington University study found that 75% of students walking on campus on their phone did not notice a clown riding a unicycle nearby. Don’t miss the clowns of life because you’re trying to do too much at once.

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