The Myth of Multitasking: Why Your Brain Works Better One Task at a Time
When I say that “the brain is incapable of multitasking,” you might instantly recall all the times you juggled emails while on a Zoom call, folded laundry while helping with homework, or bounced between browser tabs to get “more” done. But what if I told you that your brain wasn’t multitasking at all—it was task switching? According to neuroscience, that's what’s really happening—and it's far less efficient than it feels.
What Is Task Switching?
Neuroscience
has
clearly
shown
that
the
brain
isn’t
wired
to
perform
multiple
high-level
tasks
simultaneously.
Instead,
it
rapidly
switches
attention
from
one
task
to
another,
creating
the
illusion
of
multitasking.
But
with
each
switch,
your
brain
has
to
pause,
reorient,
and
refocus.
This
seemingly
small
act
of
re-engagement
creates
a “switch
cost”—a
measurable
drop
in
efficiency
and
a
drain
on
your
cognitive
energy.
The Cost of Constant Switching
The American Psychological Association reports that task switching can reduce productivity by up to 40%. That’s nearly half your potential output lost—not because you’re lazy or distracted, but because of the mental toll each switch takes.
Over
the
course
of
a
day,
these
switch
costs
accumulate.
Your
brain
becomes
fatigued
more
quickly,
your
attention
span
shortens,
and
your
stress
levels
may
rise.
You
may
feel
busy—but
you're
not
necessarily
being
effective.
Why We Still Do It
There are times in life when multitasking feels unavoidable: juggling parenthood, navigating a demanding job, or managing a full course load. But even in the busiest seasons, it’s worth noticing the difference in quality when you focus on one task at a time.
When you single-task—giving your full, uninterrupted attention to one thing—you’ll likely notice:
- Improved memory and mental clarity
- Higher quality results
- Lower stress levels
- A greater sense of accomplishment
Reclaim
Your
Focus
Start by carving out time for single-tasking. Close unnecessary tabs, silence notifications, and set boundaries when possible. Even five to ten minutes of focused work can make a noticeable difference. Prioritize tasks based on importance and approach them one by one. Your brain will thank you—and so will your productivity.
In a world that glorifies being busy, choosing to single-task is a bold, brain-friendly move. Remember: quality beats quantity. One task at a time isn't just a motto—it's a proven method for working smarter, not harder.
- Julie "Brain Lady" Anderson