Science of focus: why multi-tasking is overrated

Education Unboxed

Erwin L. Rimban

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Imagine this: you’re answering an email, scrolling through social media, and trying to cook dinner—all at the same time.

    You might feel like you’re getting a lot done, but are you really? Science says no. Multitasking, the prized badge of the busy, isn’t as productive as we’ve been led to believe. This week, let us have a deep dive into this phenomenon.

The Multitasking Myth

Let’s bust the biggest myth: multitasking doesn’t actually exist. What we’re doing is task-switching, shifting our attention from one task to another at rapid speed. While it feels efficient, it’s anything but.

    Research shows that the brain can only focus on one complex task at a time. When we switch between tasks, our brain has to “reload” the context of each one. This reloading takes time and energy, which means multitasking often slows us down rather than speeding things up.

    A study by the American Psychological Association found that task-switching can reduce productivity by as much as 40%. That’s like working a full day and losing almost half of it to inefficiency.

The Cognitive Cost

Beyond lost time, multitasking has cognitive consequences. Our brains become fatigued more quickly, making mistakes more likely. Over time, habitual multitasking can even lower our ability to focus deeply, a skill that’s critical for learning and problem-solving.

    There’s also the “attention residue” effect. When we move from one task to another, part of our focus stays stuck on the first task. This lingering attention reduces our effectiveness on the new task, leaving us scattered and less productive.

Why Focus Matters

Deep focus—sometimes called “flow”—is the antidote to the multitasking epidemic. When we focus on one thing at a time, our brains work more efficiently, producing better results in less time.

    Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, argues that the ability to focus deeply is a rare skill in today’s distracted world. Those who cultivate it gain a significant advantage, whether they’re students mastering new concepts or professionals tackling complex problems.

Strategies for Single-Tasking Success

How can we resist the lure of multitasking and reclaim our focus? Here are a few science-backed tips:

1. Prioritize Your Tasks: Start your day by identifying the most important task (MIT) and commit to tackling it first. By focusing on what truly matters, you’ll avoid the trap of spreading yourself too thin.

2. Use Time Blocks: Schedule specific blocks of time for specific tasks. During these periods, eliminate distractions and focus solely on the task at hand.

3. Turn Off Notifications: Alerts from your phone or computer are designed to grab your attention. Turn them off, even if just temporarily, to create a distraction-free environment.

4. Practice the Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. This method trains your brain to stay engaged while giving it regular rests.

5. Embrace Mindfulness: Mindfulness exercises, such as meditation, can strengthen your attention span over time. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.

A New Perspective

Our modern world often rewards busyness, equating it with success. But true productivity isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters, and doing it well. Multitasking might make you feel accomplished in the moment, but the science of focus reveals a deeper truth: less is more. So, the next time you’re tempted to juggle a million things, pause. Choose one task, give it your full attention, and watch how much more you achieve. Because sometimes, the best way to move forward is to slow down and focus.

Kung Hei Fat Choi (Happy Chinese New Year) to all our readers!

 

For feedback, you may reach me here: elrimban@alum.up.edu.ph