On busy life we have nowadays. We often are confronted by number of problems, which need to be addressed at limited time.
We want to solve problems as soon as possible. Our brain will process all of tasks at hand simultaneously. We unconsciously enter the state of "multitasking".
Human multitasking is an apparent human ability to perform more than one task, or activity, over a short period of time. An example of multitasking is taking phone calls while typing an email and reading a book. Source : en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_multitasking.
After minutes or hours working on the tasks, we feel overwhelmed and our brain's energy has been burn out, but not even one task is well completed / feel like half baked finished.
It happens to everyone. Multitasking has its own disadvantages, it will wastes a lot more time on finishing one task compare to singletasking / focused working due to human's brain context switching and it gets you make more errors due to insufficient attention.
Our brain actually can only process one task at one time. Multitasking is only make our brain process one task in a split of second and then switch to other task. And that switching task need time for our brain to resume prior task / recall where it had been.
Well, that is multitasking disadvantages, but it is very useful on some circumstances.
The question is "When is the appropriate time to multitasking tasks at hand?".
From my experience as a small shop employee and employer (I work as cashier, salesman, goods delivery service, anything needed for our shop). This is my understanding about our brain process.
#1. Multitasking on Lesser Tasks
Let's say, I have 3 customers come at my shop at same time. Of course, I should prioritize first coming one, on FIFO manner (First In First Out).
But how about their needs? Apparently the third customer need "easy to get" goods and pay it immediately, while the first one very calculative and need a lot of time to decide what to buy.
Here is multitasking shine. I will take out 2-3 goods to first one, then leave to get to second one and ask what he wants also take out the third one needed goods.
Fast service great result.
On this situation, my brain only need to remember what goods I took out and how many it is. No much attention needed, the rest is just reflex no brainer work.
Tips : Limit your multitasking as many as you can handle (everyone have different capabilities). If you can only handle two tasks at once, so limit yourself to 2 then. Also write notes when you feel overwhelmed.
#2. Multitasking on Automatic Activities While Thinking Something Moderate
It is all we do when we know that automatic activities isn't important but need to be done.
For example, we think about our what to do list on office while sweeping house's floors.
#3. Don't Multitasking on Very Very Important Task
When you count your customer's money, coding your algorithm, writing your novel, anything which need deep thinking / creative activities.
So, conclusion is aware that your brain enter multitasking state. Feel it. If it feels overwhelmed, simplify your tasks limit it to fewer count. If needed finish it one by one.
I hope it will help you. Live your life better.
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