Most of us suffer from the illusion that multitasking helps us get through our infinite list of things to do. We complain about not having enough hours in the day, interruptions and general busyness, and over the course of a single day we multitask in any or all of the following ways:

• voluntary interruptions or distractions, for example, by responding to an instant message, text or email as soon as we are aware one exists and expects a response;
• involuntary interruptions or distractions by electronic communications, colleagues or a phone call;
• habitual task switching.

Unfortunately, some interruptions can't be avoided, requiring rules be put in place (see end of this article), but when we choose to 'task switch', it's often because we experience:

• boredom with the task usually because it's too easy, repetitive or routine;
• negative feelings towards the task, often because the task is difficult or too challenging;
• the 'just because' excuse of there being an electronic device available and a habit of using it has been formed;
• Fear Of Missing Out (FOMO), particularly among younger people.

Human multitasking, by the definition that has developed over the last two decades, is doing more than two things simultaneously within a particular period of time (minutes or hours). If you think about that literally, it should be evident that it's not possible and that's exactly what numerous studies over the past 15 years have concluded – it isn't possible. Essentially, multitasking is succumbing to any number of distractions.

essentially, multitasking is succumbing to distractions

With the exception of basic movements combined with a single thinking-based activity (e.g. using a cardio machine or pacing a room while reading, which is even said to help with information retention), what we're really doing when we say we're multitasking is switching between tasks, almost always erratically. And it's that erratic behavior and lack of focus that hinders our ability to feel satisfied at the end of each day. Consider the process of task switching below:

1. Choose a task to do.
2. Review where you are in the piece of work or task.
3. Know what you need to do right now and how.
4. Do the task.
5. Decide to task switch or react to a distraction.
6. Repeat steps from 1.

And the more complex a task, the longer you'll spend at each step. By focusing on one task at a time until we have completed what we set out to do, we can spend less time unnecessarily repeating steps 1-3, 5 and 6, often referred to as 'switch cost'.

Besides padding time around each attempt to work on a task, studies show multitasking or task switching has many other undesirable consequences, including:

• reduced ability to retain or recall information
• inefficiency
• ineffectiveness
• increased stress
• careless mistakes
• slower reaction time or slowed performance as focus is divided
• lower GPA
• may permanently affect ability to filter out irrelevant environmental noise

If you're having trouble focusing on a single task, there are a number of techniques and strategies that may help, namely:

• use blocks of time to focus on a single task, followed by a short break (e.g. Pomodoro Technique)
• use a timer to keep you on your toes
• remove unnecessary technology (e.g. put the phone in your bag during class, leave the laptop at your desk when heading to a meeting)
• be selective about reacting or responding to social media and messages (e.g. if you receive an email in a meeting or class, wait for a break, pause or until it's over)

See also...Overcoming Distractions for Students

See also...Dealing With Digital Distractions