Monday, November 10, 2014
The myth of multitasking
It’s a phrase that we hear in job interviews, write on
resumes and read on job descriptions — ability to multi-task. It’s almost as
if your career hangs in the balance if you aren’t able to do several things at
once.
But let’s take a moment to focus — literally. As it turns
out, multitasking is not as productive or efficient as once thought, according
to recent research.
This is the best news I’ve heard since they proclaimed dark
chocolate is good for you.
It seems like the older I get, the harder it is to
multitask. This inability to keep
up with the constant barrage of emails, phone messages, blog posts, deadlines,
mandatory meetings, etc., has made me feel inefficient and disorganized.
Not so, says
Jim Taylor, PhD, writing for Psychology Today. Dr. Taylor reports that a summary of
research examining multitasking on the American Psychological
Association's website describes how so-called multitasking is neither effective
nor efficient
These findings demonstrate when you shift focus from one
task to another, that transition is neither fast nor smooth. In fact, this
constant shifting can take up to 40% more time than single tasking — especially
for complex tasks.
Whew! I feel vindicated.
Here are six tips to increase productivity and avoid
multitasking.
• Prioritize:
Learn to organize tasks into distinct categories and levels of
difficulty. Tackle the most
important things on the list first.
• Focus: Put all
your attention to the task at hand. Do one thing at a time and see it through to completion.
• Limit distractions:
Close your door, block off a chunk of time that you are unavailable, and
limit your ability to interact with others except for emergencies. When I was faced with an impending
deadline, I used to tell my kids, “Don’t interrupt me unless your hair is on
fire.”
• Unplug: Silence
cell phones, don’t read or reply to e-mail or Facebook postings, and turn off
the radio or TV.
• Don’t procrastinate:
This may be the hardest thing of all. Seize the moment and plunge right in. Once you’re on a roll, it will be
easier to continue.
• Reward yourself upon completion of a major task: Something small, but satisfying, should
be your reward, whether it is a walk around the block, reading a chapter in a
favorite book or 15 minutes of mindful meditation.
Since I read that it’s healthy, I am rewarding myself for
completing this health column by eating an ounce of dark chocolate.
Alice Facente is a community health nurse for the Backus
Health System. This advice should not replace the advice of your personal
health care provider. To comment on this column or others, visit the Healthy
Living blog at www.healthydocs.blogspot.com or e-mail Ms. Facente or any of the Healthy Living columnists at healthyliving@wwbh.org
# posted by ----------------- @ 11:16 PM 
