The Truth About Multitasking: Why Our Brains Aren’t Built for It

I’m wondering — do you think of yourself as a multitasker?

In today’s world, it can feel like we have to be able to juggle multiple things at once just to keep up. Between work, family, school, and life, doing one thing at a time can seem almost impossible.

But here’s the truth about brains: they’re not actually designed to multitask.

Our brains can’t do two thinking-heavy (or “cognitive”) tasks at once. What we call multitasking is really just switching rapidly from one task to another — and every time we switch, we lose focus and efficiency.

You probably won’t be surprised to hear that I don’t recommend multitasking.

Let’s bust some common myths about multitasking and look at what the research — and experience — actually tell us.

Myth #1: Multitasking Enhances productivity

Reality: Multitasking actually makes us less productive.

When we switch between tasks, we divide our attention and reduce the quality of our work. It’s harder to stay focused and easier to make mistakes.

Research from the University of Michigan found that switching between tasks can reduce productivity by as much as 40 percent, because the brain needs time to reorient each time we shift focus. That’s a big drop — especially for students who already struggle with Executive Function skills like focus and organization.

Myth #2: Multitasking Saves Time

Reality: It doesn’t.

It might feel faster to do two things at once — listening to a podcast while writing an email, for example — but our brains need time to reorient each time we switch. That transition time adds up.

In the end, multitasking usually takes longer than focusing on one thing at a time.

Myth #3: Multitasking Doesn't Affect the Brain

Reality: It does — and not in a good way.

Constant task-switching can cause cognitive fatigue, increase stress, and make it harder to concentrate later. The more we try to multitask, the more we train our brains to expect distraction.

Myth #4: Younger Generations are Better at Multitasking

Reality: They’re not immune either.

While younger people may be more used to technology, studies show that frequent multitasking can still hurt attention span and working memory. Even tech-savvy students struggle when their brains are overloaded with competing inputs.

Myth #5: Multitasking is Essential in a Fast-paced World

Reality: Focus and prioritization matter more.

Yes, life is fast-paced. But quality outweighs quantity every time.
Being thoughtful and intentional about what we focus on — and when — helps both kids and adults work more efficiently and feel calmer.

So What Can You Do Instead?

Whenever possible, focus on one thing at a time.

That’s easier said than done, but here are a few brain-friendly strategies to help:

• Make single-tasking a priority. Give one task your full attention.

• Set achievable goals. Break big projects into smaller, doable steps.

• Identify your most important task. Start there.

• Use a timer. Work in focused bursts (like 20–30 minutes) and take breaks.

• Remove distractions. Silence your phone or move it out of reach.

• Close extra tabs. Only keep open what you actually need.

• Keep a notepad nearby. Jot down any ideas that pop up instead of chasing them.

When we single-task, we experience better concentration, higher-quality work and less stress.

Awareness Is Half the Battle

Simply noticing when you’re multitasking is the first step. Once you’re aware, you can make a change — and that awareness can help your kids, too.

And as always: be gentle with yourself and your student. Focus and attention take practice, not perfection.

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Carrie Bonnett is a veteran teacher and Executive Function coach based in Bend, OR. Carrie works with students and families (and adults, too). Her coaching empowers students to thrive in life and in school, helps parents and teachers to better support their children, and guides adult to get on top of all that life requires. In addition to coaching, she is also an adjunct instructor for early-career teachers at University of Portland in Oregon. For more information, visit www.carriebonnett.com