Is Multi-Tasking Really Helping You? How Changing These 7 Beliefs Can Relieve Stress

Colossians 3:23-24 calls us to work wholeheartedly, as if for the Lord, rather than through fragmented attention and constant distraction. When we shift from multitasking to focused, single-minded work, we invite God’s presence into each moment, allowing Him to guide us and granting us peace. Let’s look at some of the common beliefs that keep us tied to multitasking, and explore how to capture, challenge, and change them to align more closely with God’s truth.

Recognize any of these beliefs?

1. "I have too much on my plate; multitasking is the only way to keep up."

Capture: Recognize when this belief arises, often in moments of overwhelm.

Challenge: Ask yourself, “Is multitasking truly helping me complete my tasks well, or is it just making me feel busy? How do you react when you believe that multi-tasking is the only way to keep up? Do you feel more stressed or calmer? Are there alternate ways to I address when I have too much on my plate?"

Change: Start small by focusing on single-tasking during certain blocks of time. For example, dedicate 30 minutes to one priority task without interruptions. Not only will you finish tasks faster, but you’ll also find the quality of your work improves. By committing fully to one task, you can leave behind the feeling of being spread too thin.

2. "Multitasking makes me feel productive and in control."

Capture: Notice when the urge to multitask arises and reflect on whether it’s actually making you feel more productive or just more stressed. 

Challenge: Remind yourself that productivity isn’t about busyness; it’s about impact. Ask, “What would happen if I focused on completing one task at a time? How do I know that I am more productive? Am I really in control?”

Change: Shift your focus to single-tasking by setting a clear intention for each task, completing it fully before moving on to the next. Research shows that single-tasking not only enhances the quality of work but also provides a sense of accomplishment, which will leave you feeling and being truly productive.

3. "If I don’t multitask, I’ll fall behind others at work."

Capture: Recognize when this competitive thought arises and understand that feeling behind often reflects a lack of prioritization, not productivity.

Challenge: Ask, “Am I truly falling behind, or am I focusing on tasks that don’t need my immediate attention? Who would I be without comparing myself to others? How would you feel without this thought?”

Change: Start prioritizing tasks by urgency and importance, not by how much you can handle at once. Working for impact rather than trying to do everything helps you gain more influence in your role and reduces the stress of feeling constantly “behind.”

4. "My role requires me to handle a lot at once—I don’t have the luxury of focus."

Capture: When you feel overwhelmed, identify which tasks truly require immediate attention versus those that can be scheduled. Check if busyness has become a badge of honor to demonstrate your importance and value.

Challenge: Remind yourself that the highest performers prioritize strategic focus, not speed. Ask, “Could focusing on fewer things actually improve my results and my well-being? With fewer distractions interupting my flow, how can I be more strategic or creative?”

Change: Begin with one small action—turn off notifications for a set period each day to create a block of uninterrupted time. This small shift can improve your focus and help you complete tasks more efficiently, often freeing up more time than you expected. When you are highly engaged and concentrating on something challenging, you can get into in a mental flow state. This enables your cognitive abilities are at their best and you also feel motivated and fulfilled.

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5. "I need to respond immediately to be seen as reliable and responsive."

Capture: When the urge to respond immediately arises, pause and question its necessity. Evaluate how this fits into your priotities that you are currently working on.

Challenge: Ask, “Is my immediate response truly necessary, or can I reply once I’ve completed my current task? Will others view you as less reliable or reponsive if you respond a short while later? How would you feel if you weren't trying to constantly prove that you are reliable and responsive?”

Change: To improve work-life balance, try setting specific times to check and respond to emails and messages. Let others know your schedule if needed. This focused time protects your flow and sends a message of reliability based on quality rather than immediacy. Also, when you are responding immediately, you are consistently allowing others to determine your actions. Stand firm in a decision to redefine reliability and responsiveness based on consistency of results where you are deciding your immediate priorities.

6. "Multitasking is the norm—everyone else is doing it."

Capture: Notice when comparison starts to influence your behavior. Pause and question why are you looking at others when you know that you are performing at your best in this current situation.

Challenge: Ask, “Are those multitasking actually producing better work, or are they struggling like I am? How would you feel if you weren't comparing yourself to others and could be content with your own performance?”

Change: Take the lead by modeling focused, single-tasking behavior. Set the example for your team, showing that it’s possible to achieve high-quality work without the chaos of multitasking. Not only will your work improve, but you may inspire others to follow suit, creating a healthier workplace culture.

7. "I’m good at handling multiple things at once, so why change?"

Capture: Recognize this thought when you feel the urge to take on multiple tasks, even when you’re already busy.

Challenge: Reflect on past moments of multitasking and ask, “Did handling many things at once really benefit my work-life balance, or did it add to my stress?”

Change: Experiment with single-tasking for one week and observe the results. Begin each day by listing your top three priorities and focus on tackling one at a time. You may find that single-tasking actually enables you to accomplish more meaningful work with less mental strain.

RELATED: True or False: Multi-Tasking Improves Productivity

Embracing a New Path to Work-Life Balance

Stopping distracted and half finished tasks that are a symtpom of multi-tasking has multiple benefits for your performance at work, your sense of calm and the amount of time you have for everything outside of work that is important to you.

By capturing, challenging, and changing your beliefs about multitasking, you can create a work approach that allows you to “work with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23-24). This mindset shift not only increases your focus and productivity but also aligns your work with God’s design for your life. When we dedicate ourselves fully to each task, we honor Him in our work and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, transforming stress into peace.

As you implement any of these, if at any point if you get stuck or feel yourself falling into old patterns, a little bit of prayer can help you. When you are at your weakest, God can show His strength, if you let Him. 

Imagine a workday filled with purpose, where you complete each task with focus, free from the constant pull to do more. By shifting away from multitasking, you can open the door to a work-life balance that prioritizes what matters most: faith, family, and a deeper connection to God.

I pray...

I hope you find this advice on multitasking helpful. If you’re ready to relieve stress and improve work-life balance, consider this approach to capture, challenge and changing your beliefs and thoughts. These may be contributing to your stress and lack or harmony and balance. Breaking free of thoughts and work habits related to multi-tasking, enables you to begin to reclaim your time and restore your energy. Even small changes can make a big difference over time. By starting with small, faith-centered steps, like stopping the distractions, you’ll begin to experience the benefits of a calm, centered approach to work.

Only you and God know what's best for you. Let Him guide you to find the right balance and ways of working. You can reduce work-related stress and working hours while still being successful. With the extra time, you can spend more time with loved ones, get more sleep, or enjoy your favorite hobbies. This will help you achieve greater work-life harmony.

Interested in making this change last? Download my free guide to building tiny faith-driven habits that promote focused time and peace. With these small steps, you can break free from the cycle of distraction, deepen your relationship with God, and achieve a greater sense of work-life harmony.