I am pretty sure we all do this: how many times a day do we try to multitask? We answer to voice messages while picking up the children, learn a new language while we are stuck in traffic on the way to work, listen to a podcast while we are cooking, …. Multitasking seems perfect to make the most of the time by doing several things at once. Let us look at some of the benefits and risks of multitasking.
Can Multitasking save time?
There are moments when multitasking is not a problem. For example, when we listen to music while we tidy up the flat or read a good book while relaxing in the bathtub. And to be honest, especially as parents, it is often unavoidable: We help the big daughter to get dressed while we brush the little one’s teeth. While driving we sing funny songs for entertainment or think about what to make for dinner and if we have to stop by the supermarket. Is that causing any issues? I don’t think so.
As Lifestyle Consultant Marlies Cohen states:”It seems that multitasking can save time, but only when you are doing rote tasks that don’t require much brain power.”
The disadvantages and risks of Multitasking
However, multitasking also has its dark sides: We have all seen one of the many videos where someone is so focused on their mobile phone that they bump into a lantern or fall into the water. I find this phenomenon particularly dangerous when people cross the street without paying attention to the traffic lights or the traffic! Our brain is obviously overstrained. Running and typing can still be done at the same time, but running, typing and paying attention to the surroundings is obviously not possible.
But that is not the only reason why we should seriously question multitasking:
Scientists have found out that we are much less efficient when we do several things at once or constantly switch back and forth than when we concentrate on one thing and get it done. Makes sense when you think about it: imagine you start reading a book, then someone comes and asks you something, you start again, but first you have to find the paragraph where you stopped, and you forgot what the previous paragraph was about, so it’s best to read that one again… not very “time-saving”, is it? According to a study we can lose up to 40% of our productivity by multitasking!
Apart from that, the “always on” mode also produces an unprecedented stress in us. Instead of letting our thoughts wander in a quiet moment (such as on the train, in the waiting room at the doctor’s, on the playground) and listening to our inner self, we immediately look for a way to use this “wasted” time and in most cases we just turn to our mobile phone. But what happens if we have no more “time of silence” to listen to ourselves? According to a study conducted by Clifford Nass of Stanford University , people who are constantly multitasking not only have greater difficulty distinguishing relevant from irrelevant information, but frighteningly, even when they are concentrating on a single task, their brains are less effective and efficient than the brains of people who are not constantly doing several things at once. We should be particularly careful with children and young people: Multitasking and the constant use of smartphones can have a significant negative impact on their ability to concentrate.
Multitasking parents
Another factor that should not be neglected is our role model function. If we do not want our children to sit at the table with their smartphones, or if we do not want them to check their phones while we are having a serious conversation with them, then we should set an example ourselves. I must sweep my own hallway first here. Quickly replying to a message here, updating a status there, although it is actually “children time” – I often find myself not being consistent enough here. And suddenly my daughter is standing in front of me and looks at me with a very prurient look: “Mama!” Oops, you got me. I am already putting it away.
Is there an optimal strategy here? Probably not. I don’t think it’s a problem if we use our computer or smartphone or multitask in other ways when the children are just peacefully and happily playing. But if we have promised them that we will watch a book with them, draw a picture with them or help them with their homework, we should also be true to our word, stop ironing and put the digital media aside so that we are not disturbed.
Multitasking Yes or No?
As so often, the answer is: It depends. We have seen a number of examples where it makes sense or is even necessary to do more than one thing at a time. But we should be careful not to take on too many things at once.
Sometimes, however, the opposite makes sense. Just switch off. Let your thoughts run free. I have the feeling that in today’s world, especially because of the smartphones, we do this far too little. Reply to a message here, update your shopping list on the way, check your emails … It’s convenient, no doubt, but we are becoming more and more a slave to our digital media.
We should take some time out every day to collect ourselves and just listen in to ourselves. Everybody has to see for herself how it fits best to her daily planning. In the morning, when the kids are still sleeping? In the evening? In the car, when we are on the way home from work? During the morning shower? It doesn’t have to be much, a few minutes are enough. We just have to make sure we take them.
Also, be aware that we can boost our productivity in other ways rather than juggling several things at once. I will soon be writing a post exploring some of those, so stay tuned!
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