As a woman, I have always been proud of my multitasking abilities.  I can talk on the phone, drive, drink coffee and listen to my favorite audio book all at the same time!  It is often a topic of heated disagreement with my husband over the fact that he simply can't (or WON'T) listen to me while he is doing something else--that may be another issue in and of itself. 

I have come to a realization, however, that maybe multitasking isn't what it is all cracked up to be. In fact, I have noticed that I feel way more tension and stress when I am multitasking.  Some studies suggest that we release significantly more stress hormones and adrenaline when we are intensely multitasking.  

Another 2001 study performed at the National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke found that multitasking actually decreased our brain activity by just over half!  In fact it makes us less productive.  "The brain appears to have a finite amount of space for tasks requiring attention," the study reports.  In fact, the two tasks we are performing at the same time are simply not done as well as when they are performed alone.  

So...I have a challenge for you.   For one week, try not to multitask.  Be present with the one task you are performing.  Focus all of your thoughts on this one task.   You may find that you are much more relaxed and surprisingly more productive.  I look forward to reading your comments on your experiences.  

In health,

Dr. Allison

Articles:

http://www.ccbi.cmu.edu/news/sandiegouniontribune-dualtask.html

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1205669/Is-multi-tasking-bad-brain-Experts-reveal-hidden-perils-juggling-jobs.html