Productivity Hack: Modern Day Multitasking

Photo Credit: Antonio Gabola

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Fact or fiction: our brains can multitask? Alongside the rest of the scientific community, Cleveland Clinic and Harvard Business Review say fiction. Most sources discourage multitasking in the context of more hazardous activities, and while I definitely agree that texting and driving is a no-go, there are some times when multitasking — or, in reality, a close equivalent — is advantageous. 

In our current Zoom University atmosphere, it’s easier than ever to put things off. I am farther from Austin than I care to be this semester, and thoughts of my assignments and upcoming exams seem to mirror my physical distance. Due tomorrow, do tomorrow, right? But abiding by that philosophy often spells disaster — therein lies the value of multitasking. 

To be clear, l reference multitasking only in the loosest form. What we think of multitasking is really just focusing on different activities in quick succession, so we are never actually doing two things at one time. Despite my tendency to overestimate my own abilities (#bigbrain), even I have to believe the science — better explained here by John Hamilton of NPR. So, this definition is what I’ll be using for the rest of this article. Even more specific, I am only discussing mixed multitasking, the type that meshes work and play rather than strictly one or the other. 

So when is multitasking your greatest ally, you ask? Well, I favor those moments when you desperately want a break, but perhaps know deep down that you either do not deserve one or would fare better without one. Take, for example, the moment when you have just finished your last Zoom lecture of the day; you would usually hop into bed at this point, but you have an exam coming up or simply cannot afford to fall behind. 

Solution? Multitasking. 

There are two requirements: 

First, your assignment can be done on autopilot. You are probably not going to succeed in studying ochem or memorizing med terms with this tactic, so let's not push our luck. Think more about busy work, modules from filler classes, or otherwise low-stakes assignments. These are assignments you have to get done — but you will not miss much if you skip devoting your heart and soul to the craft. 

Second, your recreational activity is not too consuming. Now, this is where you are going to have to show a little discipline: everyone's least favorite virtue. I do not recommend starting that show that you have been just dying to watch (see Netflix’s Dark) for this multitasking session, and I also would not start the latest anime on your list. If you choose a particularly good show — or album — to mix with your assignment, you will most likely end up engaging in more play than work. Rather, try selecting media that you have either experienced before or will not have too many hang ups about experiencing passively now. 

With practice, these two rules can be flexed and sometimes completely broken. Take it from me — I watched ⅔ of Amazon’s The Boys while working through biostats assignments (and that’s a show you will not want to miss a minute of)! However, if you are just getting started, go easy on yourself; the goal is to enjoy a break while also getting work done. Multitasking, as I defined it, takes practice like any skill, and you will grow with time and exercise. 

However, I also do not recommend making multitasking your go-to maneuver. After all, there are some assignments that deserve your full concentration, and it is also a bad idea to routinely take your attention span to the chopping block. Someday — maybe not soon, but someday — Zoom will be a distant memory as you sit in face-to-face lectures for at least 50 minutes. Point in question: use the gift of multitasking sparingly.

Lastly, multitasking is not for everybody. Some of you will simply not like the feeling or find it much too absurd to even attempt. For my true mono-taskers out there, I offer my favorite Spotify original playlist featuring serene background music while you tackle your assignments head on. You guys are the blueprint.

And with that, I add this sage advice to the even sage-er series recommendations in this article: whatever side of tasking you’re on, strive for productivity!