The Myth of Multi-Tasking
Multi-tasking. Every mother is familiar with the concept of trying to do multiple things all at once. As I write this, I have 10 tabs open on my internet browser: four different email addresses, two research articles, and a couple of other tabs looking for locations for my son’s sixth birthday party.
We know we can’t do everything, and yet, we try to do as much as we can. We’re constantly switching through all the different needs and to-dos throughout the day.
But, true multi-tasking is a myth. What we’re actually doing is context-switching - moving from one activity to the next and back again - and it has real costs to our mental and cognitive health. An interesting study by Yale University found that “when people are trying to multitask, they’re more likely to be stressed, and they have worse mental health.” We also suffer from a “switch cost” - a reduction in accuracy, speed, or performance as a result of switching between tasks. The cognitive load of trying to do all the things has a HUGE impact on working mothers.
There are many things to get curious about here, for example…
How do we continue to shift this load so that it’s not disproportionately on mothers? (See article here)
Or, how do we release ourselves from the expectation of doing it all? (See article here).
Realistically, I think it’s also appropriate to ask, how can we do this more effectively and with less of an impact on our cognitive load? If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right?
For working mothers, mastering this art of context-switching is essential for maintaining sanity amidst the chaos. Here, we delve into a few effective strategies to navigate context-switching without losing focus, ensuring both productivity and well-being.
1. Create a Transition Routine: Transitioning between tasks can be jarring, leading to mental fatigue and decreased productivity. To mitigate this, establish a transition routine to signal your brain that it's time to shift gears. This could be as simple as taking a few deep breaths, jotting down a quick summary of your current task's status, or stretching for a minute. The key is to create a ritual that helps you mentally prepare for the upcoming context switch, easing the transition and maintaining focus.
2. Clarify Your "Modes": Identify and clarify the different "modes" you operate in throughout your day. These could include work mode, parent mode, partner mode, and self-care mode, among others. By clearly delineating these modes, you can better compartmentalize your tasks and responsibilities, reducing cognitive overload and enhancing focus. When transitioning between modes use your transition routine and consciously switch your mindset and priorities to align with the upcoming tasks.
3. Pay Attention to Your Physical Environment: Your physical environment can significantly impact your ability to context-switch effectively. Create designated spaces for different activities, such as a home office for work-related tasks, a cozy corner for relaxation, and a play area for quality time with your children. Ensure each space is optimized for its intended purpose, free from distractions, and conducive to focus. There’s a lot of truth to the phrase, “Out of sight, out of mind!” This can even translate to your computer desktop. My 10 different browser tabs I have open? I should really have one screen for personal tabs and one screen for work tabs.
Mastering the art of context-switching is not about juggling multiple tasks simultaneously but about effectively managing transitions between different roles and responsibilities. By creating transition routines, clarifying your "modes," and optimizing your physical environment, you can navigate context-switching with intentionality, maintaining focus and productivity throughout your day. Remember, it's not about doing it all at once. So embrace the power of context-switching and reclaim control over your time and attention, one transition at a time.