True or False: Multi-Tasking Improves Productivity

Consider this:

• When you're on a phone call, working on a different document, and responding to a text from someone else, how effective are you really being? 
• When you're watching a video call, having lunch, and chatting with your daughter, how present are you? 
• You might feel like you're accomplishing a lot, but what is the quality of each of these tasks?

Myth of multi-tasking

In our 24/7 world, multi-tasking is one the greatest fallacies on how to best manage time. Multitasking has become a cultural norm, often seen as a skill to master. Studies show, that only about 2.5% of people are able to multi-task effectively. Yet, multi-tasking can reduce your productivity by 40% while increasing stress.

I want to clarify the definition of multitasking that I am using. It refers to when someone tries to do multiple things at the same time. I'm talking about tackling two relatively complex tasks simultaneously, not just simple tasks like walking and chewing gum, or patting your head and rubbing your stomach.

The FAA and OSHA have conducted research on the impact of multitasking on productivity for years, and their recommendations are clear. Many states have even implemented laws banning texting and driving or requiring hands-free devices, recognizing that distraction reduces response time and significantly increases risk.

It is truly sad to hear leaders boast about their multitasking skills when, in reality, their lack of prioritization and focus leads to chaos, disorganization, and constantly changing demands for their teams. (I must admit, I once believed in the myth of multitasking until I realized how important quiet, focused work time is for catching my breath and encouraging others to do the same.) These are often the same leaders who expect all workers to skip breaks and multitask during them. When an organization or a leader promotes multitasking, who really benefits? Taking a holistic and objective view, what does it communicate about valued characteristics?

(Note: Sometimes I've seen job descriptions or heard others mention multitasking as a skill when it's really about managing multiple projects or a complex workload to ensure no small details are missed. However, I'm not addressing this definition in this article.)

Why Multi-Tasking Doesn't Work - and Might Be Adding to Your Stress

Personally, I believe that the culture of rushing and multi-tasking, where people prioritize feeling productive over actually being productive, is contributing to the separation in modern society - separation from God, from each other, and within ourselves. There are numerous ways in which multi-tasking negatively affects our physical and mental well-being, as well as our overall performance.

Here’s why: when you’re dividing your focus across multiple tasks, your brain can’t give any of them the attention they deserve. You end up making more mistakes, feeling scattered, and dealing with constant cognitive tension as unfinished tasks linger in the background.

Splintered focus and attention as you work on complex problems means that nothing gets done well. The work is more prone to error. If you are studying to build new skills, less is retained. When tasks are left unfinished it creates cognitive tension, stress & anxiety until you get back to it and finish it.

Instead of feeling fulfilled, you may end up feeling drained, both mentally and spiritually, disconnected from your purpose and even from God’s guidance.

The Impact of Multitasking on Your Body and Mind

Multitasking doesn’t just affect your productivity; it also has profound effects on your physical and mental health:

Increased Fatigue

Being constantly alert to multiple sources of information can cause a persistent low-level stress response in the body. Biochemically, our body is responding like an ancient hunter alert to danger and feeling a lack of safety. Distractions and a heightened state of alertness can cause your brain to use up more glucose, leading to increased fatigue and a stronger desire for quick energy boosts. (Understanding these factors has personally helped me better manage my stress eating triggers. 😊)

Impaired Digestion

When it comes to digestion, it's not just about putting food in your mouth and chewing. Eating while working or on the go can negatively impact your digestion because of the interaction between your gut and brain. This can prevent you from getting the maximum nutrition from your food, leading to reduced energy and increased fatigue. Eating small amounts quickly can also leave you feeling hungrier than if you had taken your time to enjoy your meal. If you eat too fast and don't allow your body to respond, you may end up overeating before feeling full.

Reduced Ability to Focus

Constant digital distractions, such as responding to notifications, encourage a habit of switching tasks. Frequent multitasking rewires your brain. When you keep shifting gears mentally & environmentally between different tasks, it takes time to refocus & reorient. We lose the ability to easily access the parts of the brain for deeper processing and learning. It is harder to focus deeply, retain information, and work toward long-term goals. It also contributes to decreased self-control and increased impatience. 

Bottom line, focusing on one thing at a time reduces stress and prevents you from feeling drained of energy. Being more focused at work and less scattered from multitasking can free up more time for your faith, family, and personal interests. It also improves your performance and productivity, allowing you to accomplish more in less time. Taking this key step to change your work habits can help improve your work-life balance.

Multitasking vs. Single-Tasking: Creating Room for the Holy Spirit

In Biblical times, there was not the distractions there are in the modern world. Yet even in those simpler times there is guidance on prioritization (and at a bit of a stretch on multi-tasking since I’m not sure it was a “thing” yet). In  Luke 10:38-42, we see the story of Mary and Martha, where Martha is busy with preparations and distracted by many tasks, while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus’ feet, fully present and focused. Jesus tells Martha, “few things are needed—or indeed only one.” Mary’s single-minded focus on Jesus was the “better” choice.

In your work, out of all the responsibilities that may feel urgent, focusing on one task at a time can help you connect more deeply to your faith, reduce stress, and create space for God’s guidance. When you’re singularly focused, you can bring purpose and excellence to each task.

Story of Martha

In Luke, there is a short story about when Jesus and the disciples visited Mary & Martha’s home. Martha was distracted and busy doing everything she could to be an excellent hostess to Jesus and the disciples. When she asked Jesus to allow her sister Mary to help her, Martha was advised to

Mary’s choice to focus on “only one” reminds us that there is peace and wisdom in single-tasking. When we’re constantly distracted, we miss the chance to deepen our relationship with God, just as Martha missed an opportunity to listen to Jesus.

Think about what this means at work – out of all of your workload that is causing you stress and worry, only a few things are a priority and amongst those only one thing should be focused on at a time.

RELATED:  Addressing Common Gaps in Prioritization 

Steps to Embrace Single-Tasking for a Balanced, Faith-Centered Life

You are at your most productive, creative, and strategic self when you maintain a singular focus without distractions. There are fewer errors and likelihood of rework if you put in an hour of single-minded focus on a task than if you put in 90 minutes with a lot of distractions and interruptions. 

To relieve stress and improve work-life balance, consider replacing multitasking with intentional single-tasking. Here are some practical ways to make this shift:

1. Create Dedicated Time Blocks for Focused Work
   Set specific times during your day to work with all notifications turned off. During these blocks, focus entirely on one task or project. This will allow you to enter a state of flow, where you’re fully immersed and productive, freeing you to finish tasks more quickly and effectively.
2. Pause and Pray Before Each Task
   Before starting a new task, take a moment to pray or simply breathe deeply, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your work. This small pause can help you center yourself, stay mindful, and prevent your mind from jumping to the next thing.
3. Practice Mindful Eating for Greater Energy and Focus
   Rather than eating at your desk or while on the go, make time to eat mindfully. Sit down, slow down, and be present with your meal. This practice not only improves digestion but also allows you to fully nourish yourself, providing the physical energy you need to get through your day.

There’s a benefit of less stress when you have fewer incomplete tasks vying for attention and when you feel that you submitted quality work for an assignment. Additionally, you feel more accomplished because activities are checked off of your to do list, instead of lingering in that “almost done” state.

By being more productive from greater levels of focus instead of scattered multi-tasking, you should be able to finish your work done in fewer hours, so that you have more time for loved ones, self-care and personal interests.

RELATED: Don't Despise the Small Actions

I pray...

I hope you find this advice on multitasking helpful. If you’re ready to relieve stress and improve work-life balance, consider developing a simple habit of a single focus session each day or taking a break to eat lunch without distractions. Even small changes can make a big difference over time. By starting with small, faith-centered steps, 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.