Focus and Attention

Neuornugget #4

The human brain doesn’t actually multitask; it task-switches. When we attempt to juggle multiple activities, our brain constantly switches between them, like catching and releasing different balls.

However, this transition isn’t seamless—it takes time to adjust each time we switch.

As a result, multitasking can make us 40% slower in completing tasks compared to focusing on one task at a time.

Constant task-switching can have several long-term effects on cognitive functioning and overall well-being:

Decreased Focus and Attention: When you’re constantly shifting between tasks, your ability to concentrate on any one task suffers. This can lead to decreased productivity and performance.

Higher Error Rates and Cognitive Overload: Task-switching increases the likelihood of errors and creates a feeling of mental overload. As a result, the quality of work may suffer.

Hindered Information Encoding and Long-Term Memory Formation: Learning involves taking in information and encoding it into long-term memory. Frequent task-switching disrupts this process, making it harder to retain information over time.

Increased Stress and Fatigue: Constantly jumping between tasks can be mentally taxing, leading to stress and fatigue. Your brain works overtime to keep up, resulting in cognitive strain.

In summary, while occasional task-switching is inevitable, minimising it can help maintain focus, memory, and overall cognitive health.

In an age of speed, I began to think, nothing could be more invigorating than going slow. In an age of distraction, nothing can feel more luxurious than paying attention.