The fast pace of our daily lives and the ubiquity of modern technology mean that we often feel the need to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. That’s multitasking. However, if we look at how the brain works, multitasking is not always as beneficial as we might think.
About multitasking
When we multitask, our brain cannot fully handle two or more tasks at the same time. One of the key principles of how the brain works is ‘sequential processing’, so our brains switch quickly between different tasks rather than completing them all at once. This switching is called “task-switching”, which occurs in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Note that parallel processing exists, but it is not sustainable in the long term, so it is not relevant to our current topic.
The prefrontal cortex is the part of the frontal lobe responsible for higher cognitive functions such as decision-making, attention and task coordination. During multitasking, the prefrontal cortex constantly directs attention from one task to another, which requires the expenditure of mental energy. Each shift wastes time and energy, which slows down work and increases the chance of making mistakes.
Research suggests that multitasking can have long-term detrimental effects on our brains, reducing working memory and attentional control, making it harder to concentrate in the long term.
Focused attention
In contrast, focused attention, where our brain concentrates on a single task, is much more effective. The brain is tuned to a clear, one-way task, so it uses less energy and works faster.
Neuroscience shows that when we focus on a single task, different parts of our brain can work together in a more coordinated way. In addition to the prefrontal cortex, the hippocampus (which is involved in memory processing) is more actively involved. This helps to improve longer-term memory and process new information more effectively.
Focused attention also increases the brain’s neuroplasticity, the ability to make new connections between neurons. This helps to form new habits and improve the learning process. Practicing this type of attention improves cognitive performance, reduces stress and also improves mental health.
Multitasking or focused attention?
While multitasking is not ideal for complex tasks, there are situations where it can be handy. While doing simple, routine tasks – like listening to a podcast while washing up – our brains can work in parallel. However, when it comes to work that requires serious attention and creativity, focused attention always produces better results.
So in everyday life, it’s worth making a conscious switch between multitasking and focused attention.
How to improve our focus?
There are a number of techniques that can help you focus, such as mindfulness meditation techniques, time management techniques where the brain concentrates intensely for periods of time and then takes short breaks, and simplifying your tasks into smaller steps to reduce the need to multitask. All of this can be easily found on the internet in simple, more specific exercises that everyone can choose from and try out.
Summary:
- While multitasking can be tempting to get everyday tasks done faster, it is less efficient for our brains in the long run.
- Practicing focused attention not only improves the quality of our work, but also contributes to our mental well-being and helps maintain our cognitive abilities.
Zselyke Nagy
