The Art of Multitasking
Tags: Parenthood, Psychology, Lifehacks, Multitasking, Productivity

Ah, the “M” word. A topic of much debate in the age of information overload. Merriam-Webster defines multitasking two ways: 1) “the concurrent performance of several jobs by a computer” and 2) “the performance of multiple tasks at a time.” You don’t say…

While multitasking isn’t solely a job for computers, the comparison makes a lot of sense. Think of a computer with 10 different tabs open (much like my computer at the moment). Even though all tabs are open, the computer can only focus on one at a time.

Neuroscientists explain this is how our brain works when we try to tackle different tasks all at once. And oftentimes, just like our computers, there comes a point where we hit overload and freeze up. This is when our productivity takes a serious hit.

As nice as it would be to focus on one task through its completion, that isn’t realistic. If I focused on my laundry and nothing else, that would eat up my entire day. As a single mother, every moment is precious in more ways than one. Parenthood will force you to multitask for sheer survival. That’s a bit dramatic, but I think every parent can attest to the fact that multitasking is an inevitable part of life. If I don’t pick up the toys on the ground with my monkey toes while feeding my infant, then they are going to stay on the floor and I will most likely step on them later.

I am here to tell you that it is possible to focus on tasks and juggle them at the same time. Here are eight ways I avoid incessant task-switching and actually manage to stay on top of life.

1. To Do lists are my best friend

Am I the only one that will literally lie awake trying to remember everything I have to do the following day? My mind will not stop until I get it all out on paper. Not only does it unclutter your brain, but it allows you to reflect and prioritize obligations.

2. Prioritize and minimize

Lists help me look and see what tasks need to be completed immediately and which ones can be pushed back if I’m beginning to feel overloaded. Refrain from continuously pushing back the same tasks. If you keep procrastinating on a task, make sure it’s even something worth your time and energy. Don’t be afraid to say no to obligations that aren’t helping you complete your goals.

3. Multitask common tasks

Save the multitasking for everyday activities and try to focus on novel tasks independently. Talking on the phone while grocery shopping may be slightly distracting, but not near as much as talking on the phone while trying to put together brand new IKEA furniture. Try listening to new music while cleaning your house, maybe not while working on that new project at work.

4. Organization is key

You may have 301 things on your to do list, but something about it being typed or written neatly brings ease to my mind. I often rewrite to do lists once the scratched out writing and arrows overwhelm the actual words. You don’t have to take it to my OCD level but keeping your tasks legible and clear can definitely help ease stress. Same goes for your house and office space. Cluttered house, cluttered mind!

5. Celebrate the small victories

If you’re like me, you find deep satisfaction in crossing things of your to do list. Sometimes I write small tasks like “take out the garbage” or “make the bed” or “brush your teeth” so I start the day off feeling like I’ve accomplished something. I’ve found the hardest part is getting the productivity momentum going, but once the ball is rolling it can be hard to stop.

6. Break up larger tasks into smaller goals

This makes them more feasible. If I need to complete a project for a client, I separate the task into four categories: research, outline, write, and edit. This allows me to work on several projects at once without eating up time trying to figure out where I left off.

7. Don’t beat yourself up

It’s okay if you didn’t get to something on your list today. The fact of the matter is there is always tomorrow. This isn’t an excuse to procrastinate but a pass to be human. Be forgiving with yourself. Humans were not made to be on-the-go all the time like society makes us believe. Negative self talk does nothing but hurt productivity. Be gentle with yourself, you are doing the best you can.

8. Take some time to do absolutely nothing

We do what we can but don’t forget to relax a little each day too. Take your dog on a walk and leave the phone, eat and actually taste your food, take a shower and focus on nothing but the water. Taking five minutes out of your day to silence the noise will do wonders for your psyche.