Multitasking-doing several things at a time-was once applauded as the best way to work. But does it actually help you get things done, or does it make you less effective?
If you can actually do two or more things at one time, that clearly saves time.And it can fill time that would otherwise he spent poorly.
However, a growing body of research shows that multitasking is not as productive as it appears. It turns out that when most people multitask, they don't actually focus on more than one thing at a time.But changing your focus constantly uses mental energy that could he spent working. It also causes you to take longer and make more mistakes. In addition, it creates stress. People who try to multitask often end up feeling more anxious and less peaceful than people who don't.
A very small group of people-about two percent of the population-excel at multitasking. These people, called supertaskers, are able to work on several things at once without their performance suffering. But experts caution: supertaskers are very rare. The majority of people who think multitasking makes them more productive are fooling themselves.
If you do want to multitask, productivity experts recommend doing it carefully.
A. There are some exceptions to the no-multitasking vile.
B. Instead they switch back and forth between concentrating on two or more tasks.
C. Doing things one at a time usually helps people produce better work.
D. To some people, the advantages of multitasking seem obvious.
E. Multitasking actually works against the goal of getting things done.
F. It might also make you feel productive, which can in turn make you happy.
G. Pair a mentally challenging task with a physical task you don't have to think about.
