Is Multitasking a skill?

 

These days we are even finding in the job description that the job seeker should be multi-tasking and able to handle high pressure.

Let us try to understand in deep the technical and practical aspects of Multitasking, its advantages or disadvantages if Multitasking is really helpful to improve the productivity of an individual.

Technically, the Brain cannot give its full attention or switch from one task to another with the required efficiency. If you practice, it may happen to do multiple tasks but definitely, there would be some loss of productivity.

Researchers say people who are chronic multitaskers typically eat more and consume more caffeine.

Let us take an example of multitasking which we usually see every day on the roads, driving a vehicle while talking, or texting using a mobile phone. Mostly everyone agrees that it’s very dangerous to talk or text using mobile while driving and it’s also a punishable offense legally because your attention is not 100 % on driving and some of the focus is taken on the conversations, it could be distracting and can lead to disastrous result.

Multitasking has also been shown to increase the heart rate and levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

The results of these effects on the brain and body include:

·         Lower overall productivity

·         Less ability to filter irrelevant information

·         More mistakes

·         Increased stress, depression, and anxiety

·         Premature brain aging

·         Poor impulse control

Multitasking can become addictive, and for all of the reasons listed above, put lives in danger.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the solution.

Unfortunately, multitasking is so ingrained in our society that most people who do it have no desire to stop. When and if they do decide to end this destructive behavior, they can find an effective solution in CBT.

CBT is a short-term, goal-oriented treatment that teaches the patient to change his thinking and behavior. By doing so, he rewires his brain.

One technique often used is mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is the exact opposite of multitasking. This simple form of meditation helps train the person’s brain to focus on the present moment. This heightens awareness, reduces stress, and increases the ability to concentrate. It also slows the brain’s aging.

Brian is a wonderful fascinating organ in humans that has the capability of changing throughout our lifetime and we have a tremendous impact on its functioning, so take very good care of your brain functioning and lead a happy life.