Why multitasking harms the brain and increases mistakes

“Multitasking really impacts our productivity and efficiency – it makes us less able to concentrate and slows down the speed at which our brain processes information, making us more likely to make mistakes,” says Dr Roz Harari, consultant clinical neuropsychologist at The Salk mental health centre in London. “This means you might not get something right, miss important information, or more seriously, have an accident that puts you or others at risk.”

Can you really multitask?

Most experts agree that it's very difficult, but it's possible for tasks that don't tax your brain's capacity and can be performed on autopilot, like listening to the radio while driving or taking a walk while chatting with a friend. But more complex tasks require more attention, and doing two things at once becomes nearly impossible.

So, in reality, we're likely “task switching” – moving quickly from one task to another. Jumping from task to task has its downsides, too: Your brain has to work harder to sort through competing information, and you lose focus and precision. So you might experience one of those twilight moments when you stop, stare at the sky, and wonder, “What was I up to just now…?”

Various studies have shown that people who multitask are less productive, make more mistakes, and are more likely to get sidetracked.One study by the American Psychological Association found that multitasking can reduce your productivity by 40 percent. While your resume might say you're “good at multitasking,” in reality, multitasking could ruin your reputation and your chances of success at work.

There are other influences too. “Brain imaging studies have shown that receiving too much information at once can cause 'inattentional blindness' and deafness, where you temporarily can't see or hear something because your brain doesn't have the capacity to process it all,” says Professor Nili Ravi, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of London. Most people can't multitask effectively, but Ravi's research has found that people with more grey matter in the frontal cortex – the part of the brain that influences goal-directed behaviour, attention, planning and organisation – can. But other research suggests that these outliers are in the minority, with only 2.5% of human brains exhibiting such abilities.

Why multitasking is bad for your health

Most of us are wired to do just one thing at a time, so trying to do too many can have downsides. BACP therapist Denise Freeman says: “My clients who are great at multitasking are usually the ones who are the most productive. Stress and anxietyOn the surface they appear organized and efficient, but they internalize the pressure to do it all.

They come into my practice room and act out who they think they should be, how they're coping, and often they're denying the anger and resentment they really feel about their situation.'” Dennis is also aware of the impact of multitasking. sleepblood pressure, overeating, autoimmune diseases. “These people are exhausted to the core,” she says. “They can't take a break, and they don't know how to stop taking on more work. Burnout is a real risk factor.”

Dr. Harari has noticed the effects on memory in patients who chronically multitask: “When your brain is constantly switching focus, it processes data at a superficial level, reducing your ability to retain details and facts. This impairs recall and memory. How many of us have answered the phone while unpacking the week's grocery shopping and wondered why dish soap is in the fridge?”

Multitasking is not good for relationships

I often wonder if I am a good listener. I would like to believe that I am, but my family often accuses me of not listening to what they have to say. Honestly, I try, but I often get distracted by the next chore on my to-do list. So if I'm thinking about booking a dog grooming appointment while cooking a roast lunch, can I really pay attention to what my son said about his latest football game? I began to ask myself: is it worth it when multitasking means I have to take my eyes off the minutiae of my kids' lives?

Freeman expands on clients who feel overwhelmed by multitasking: “They may miss out on important relationships by leaning into extreme self-reliance — being hyper-independent and avoiding asking others for help. But this can impact important relationships because people feel left out or unable to offer support. Multitaskers are unable to admit they're struggling, and friends, family, and colleagues become frustrated with them for insisting on continuing anyway. In the end, both parties end up feeling isolated and even resentful.”

Again, does this apply to me? Friends have commented in the past that I never ask for help. I've always prided myself on my ability to cope, but is my stubborn independence is alienating me from my loved ones and causing them trouble?

Becoming a monothinker is the way forward

There are alternatives: One thing at a timeIn her book Five ResetsStress expert Dr Aditi Nerulkar recommends monotasking as a way to “protect your brain from burnout and stress.” She says this can be achieved by creating “time blocks” and following the guidance of the Pomodoro Technique. The Pomodoro Technique is a time management tool developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s after he used a tomato-shaped kitchen timer (pomodoro is Italian for tomato) to allocate breaks. The idea is to use a system that gives you 25 minutes to work on just one task. When the time is up, you take a five-minute break and reset for another 25 minutes to work on another task. Repeat this four times, then take a 30-minute break. Research shows that this makes participants more focused and more likely to achieve their end goal. The Pomodoro Technique is Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorderJumping from one task to another is common.

Dr Harari agrees that the benefits of “getting things done” are huge: “A sense of accomplishment boosts a person's confidence and self-esteem, as well as improving resilience and focus. And the more you practice a monotask, the more your brain will perform accordingly,” she says.

“Recent research from my lab has shown that taking even a short break during a task can help people regain their attention, without physiologically overloading the brain,” said Professor Lavie. feel “When you try to cram too much information from too many tasks at the same time, your brain hits its limits. Your brain simply can't process it all, so some slips through the cracks, leading to errors and reduced productivity. It's much more effective to schedule your tasks so that you can give each one your full attention. Our research also shows that people feel happier when they can focus their attention on what they're doing.”

in Five ResetsDr. Nerulkar tells us that the brain likes compartments and rituals. She says, “You are your most fulfilled, productive, and realized self when you are not forced to multitask, as your brain is wired to monotask, not multitask.” Sounds like a dream come true to me. Finally, the purpose of my existence is… Like a master plate spinner mesmerizing the circus audience with his skill, life keeps moving in perpetuity. I can take my time and adopt a more steady approach. What a welcome relief.