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The truth about whether multitasking actually gets more done
27th September, 2026 09:26 PM
Many people pride themselves on juggling several tasks at once. You might answer WhatsApp messages while reviewing a work report, or listen to news while cooking dinner.
It feels like a quick shortcut to getting more done in a busy day. However, cognitive science shows that multitasking is largely a myth.
The human brain cannot process two complex tasks simultaneously.When you try to do so, your mind does not work in parallel.Instead, it rapidly switches focus back and forth between activities, creating an invisible lag known as task-switching cost.
What task switching really does to your brain
Every time you jump from one job to another, your brain spends time and energy resetting rules for each activity.
Studies published by the American Psychological Association show that this continuous context-switching can consume up to 40 per cent of your productive time. Rather than shortening your checklist, switching tasks actually extends your working hours and increases errors.
A study from Stanford University, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, tested heavy multitaskers against people who prefer completing one job at a time. The findings surprised researchers who expected multitaskers to excel at managing multiple streams of information.
Psychology professor Clifford Nass, one of the lead researchers, noted: “Multitaskers are terrible at ignoring irrelevant information; they’re terrible at keeping information in their head nicely and neatly organized; and they’re terrible at switching from one task to another.”
Why single-tasking finishes work faster
Focusing on a single activity allows the mind to enter an uninterrupted state of concentration. Without constant interruptions, task completion speeds up and quality improves dramatically.
Whether you are balancing household expenses, writing a business email, or organising stock, finishing one item before moving to the next produces superior results.
Shifting to single-tasking does not require a complete lifestyle overhaul. Simple daily habits make a big difference.
Silence non-urgent phone notifications, set dedicated time blocks for specific chores, and group similar tasks together to help preserve mental energy. By doing one thing at a time, you finish work faster and keep stress at bay.
