By: Marlene Cosain
In the modern world we live in, multitasking is simply second nature. It’s difficult to look at your schedule and find a day where you have just one thing to do. Our phones, computers and other devices allow us to be on more than one app at a time or doing more than one thing at once. It’s a great thing to be able to get so many tasks done in less time if you know how to do it effectively. With these basic principles you will multitask without feeling overwhelmed.
- Provide your undivided attention to one important task
Businessknowhow.com notes that the first secret to multitasking is the ability to not be distracted by our surroundings and also to not take on more than you can handle. You should be focusing and giving all your attention to the task in front of you. Ever noticed how when you start one project and take on three more, none get done and you’ve actually wasted more time. They state, “When you set a clear rule that you will focus on only one specific task at a time, you increase your efficiency dramatically. Not only will you become quicker at completing tasks, but you will improve your accomplish rate by finishing more tasks even quicker. This is a base principle in multitasking efficiency – learn to focus on the task at hand and ignore distractions.” Based on your schedule, you should know which tasks require your undivided attention.
- Time management is everything
Speaking for myself, when I have deadlines, scheduled tasks or a short amount of time to complete something, I get it done so much quicker than if I didn’t have upcoming deadlines. Not saying that because you put minimal amount of time into a task will mark the task as poorly done, it is just that if you set specific time frames you are most likely to get the task done and over with.
- Review information when you get a chance
Entrepreneur claims that multitasking interferes with your memory. Art Markman, a cognitive psychologist, reports, “You interfere with the process of acquiring information.” Entrepreneur adds, “When you try to recall what you learned during a client meeting or brainstorm, you’re more likely to draw a blank. If you have to skim an important document during a busy workday, take time to review it later that day. Reread it while you walk between meetings or commute home, and explain it back to yourself to make sure you understand it.”
- Reboot your mind
Our brains use more energy than any other part of our body; therefore, it is important to shift tasks throughout the day. Amanet.org suggests, “Shift multitasking to single tasking throughout the day to allow your mind to reboot. Rest is one of the key components to increasing personal energy and productivity. So every two to three hours, stop multitasking and allow yourself to do just one thing for fifteen to twenty minutes. At the end of this rest period, you’ll feel refreshed, alert, and ready to tackle more tasks—and you’ll do so with fewer mistakes than if you plowed through your tasks without this re-boot period.”
It is important to know how to multitask so you can alleviate some of the stress that you may have and to increase productivity.
