Eine Mutter mit Kind sitzt am Schreibtisch und telefoniert.

Multitasking vs. monotasking: Which is really more effective?

Do you know people who can iron, cook, jog on the treadmill and do emails on their laptop at the same time? Are you perhaps one of these multitasking talents yourself? If so – not bad! If not - don't worry, because various studies have found that it is not multitasking, but monotasking that is the more efficient way of working . It doesn't matter whether you find it easy to do several things at the same time or not - because our brains should n't be able to focus on so many things at the same time . So is multitasking just a myth and are we wasting our time learning it? You can find out more about this in this story.

 

The definition: What exactly is multitasking?

 

The term multitasking actually comes from the field of computer science. It describes the ability of computers to complete several so-called “tasks” or tasks at the same time . For example, your computer can have over 20 tabs open , download multiple files, and play music at the same time . For him, multitasking works based on automated, computational processes. You wouldn't be able to multitask in this way, because of course your brain is different from a computer in many ways.

 

How does multitasking work for us humans?

 

Do we even have multitasking? Yes, you too are capable of multitasking and can therefore do several things at the same time. This certainly happens often - even if only subconsciously: For example, when the postman rings while you are in the middle of a phone call - or when you are listening to a podcast while cooking. The fundamental difference between you and the computer, however, is that your brain always chooses exactly one task to focus on . This is because our working memory only has a limited capacity . Its job is to filter out the information that is relevant to us and to sort out many of the impressions that bombard us every day. But since it can't store that many at the same time, your attention will always jump back and forth between watching TV and cooking if you do both at the same time.

 

Save time with monotasking instead of multitasking

 

Do you sometimes find yourself answering your emails during an online meeting or a phone call? And do you perhaps get annoyed when you don't manage to check off all the to-dos that you wanted to do at the same time ? It doesn't have to be that way, because it's the same for everyone. There are no real professionals at multitasking . The real question is whether it is even desirable to be able to multitask, because the more we (have to) divide our attention , the more time we need to complete tasks. In addition, various studies have shown that the quality of the result suffers when we do several things at the same time - because our working memory cannot store so much at once and therefore ignores the information that we are not focusing on.

 

A man sits at his laptop and looks at his smartphone.

Multitasking sounds so tempting. But studies show that monotasking is often more successful.

 

Training to multitask: When it makes sense and how to do it

 

Maybe you have that one person in your head who seems to be able to do ten things at the same time and you're wondering how that's possible. The answer is: We can all learn to multitask , or rather train it, by trying it again and again. But that doesn't mean that your working memory will be able to store significantly more information as a result of training . You're just training the ability to use your focus to jump from one task to the next more quickly.

However, there is only one exception in which we are capable of multitasking and at the same time receptive, so that this type of multitasking has a positive effect on efficiency : In some tasks we are already so routine that the processes happen almost automatically (similar to a computer ). For example, it is possible that you can dust and make a phone call at the same time - or watch TV while brushing your teeth . Think about it – you can probably think of even more tasks that you could even do “in your sleep” . By the way: When it comes to multitasking, it doesn't matter whether you are a woman or a man - researchers have found that gender has no influence on the ability to multitask .

 

The urge to multitask

 

Have you ever asked yourself where the need to be able to multitask comes from? If multitasking can neither speed up nor improve the quality of completing your to-dos, wouldn't it be a waste of time to train it? The urge to do several things at the same time - especially in the workplace - has increased significantly due to digitalization and the fact that we are working more and more from home . Thanks to online meetings, not only are travel times and costs saved - there is also the tempting opportunity to complete other tasks in addition to the meeting. We tend to multitask in the hope of completing all tasks faster . In a time like today, when everything is moving faster and technology is becoming more and more advanced , this reaction is human . But how deeply are this way of thinking and habits already anchored in us? Maybe it's time we trained to monotask instead of learning to multitask .

 

Back to basics: learn to monotask

 

Nowadays , many people find it difficult to focus on a single task and ignore all possible disruptive factors or distractions . But you now know that multitasking slows you down rather than speeds you up when it comes to checking off your to-dos. This means that monotasking is the new challenge for all family managers, thinkers and thinkers . Here are a few tips to redirect your focus to just one task :

 

 

  • To-do lists: Write down all the tasks you still want to complete. This clears your head, allows you to concentrate better on one thing and reduces stress because you can no longer forget anything.

 

  • Practice focus: Train your ability to concentrate , for example by reading something or doing crafts - and only focusing on this task.

 

  • Close the door: Avoid distraction from others by closing the door to your room every now and then.

 

  • Sleep: Take care of yourself and make sure you get enough rest. This is the only way your strength and energy reserves can be replenished.

 

  • Meditation / Autogenic training: Practice simply doing nothing. It doesn't sound that easy, but it's worth it. There are several videos for beginners on YouTube in which professionals guide you through short meditations or yoga sessions.

 

  • Nutrition : Our eating habits affect almost everything in our everyday lives. Start your day with our muesli bars , for example. They contain high-quality grains and a dextrose-rich cream filling. You can also supply your brain with the necessary carbohydrates with our dice , minis or school material .

 

  • The flow experience : Don't let tasks that are too difficult or boring get you down. Design the to-dos in a way that you enjoy most and that neither overwhelm nor underwhelm you.

 

  • Turn off notifications: Nowadays we don't want to miss anything and always react as quickly as possible. Now you know that you are faster and more attentive when you focus on just one thing - so switch your cell phone or other notifications to silent for a while.

 

  • Turn off the radio and television: You work most effectively when all of your senses are engaged in one task.

 

Maybe you're reading this while the food is cooking on the stove and numerous emails are waiting for you in the other tab. But now you know how you can master your everyday life independently and actively with monotasking . We hope you have fun and success trying it out!

–

* contains carbohydrates

A varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are important.

 

Sources:

 

Photo credit

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