Why You Shouldn’t Whistle (or do anything) While you Write

Today’s world is fascinated by the allure of multi-tasking. Many of us take in the morning news, hold verbal and text-based conversations, and check our early e-mails-all while eating breakfast or attempting to enjoy a cup of coffee. There’s a feeling of less time, but more demands. In response, we try to complete multiple tasks at once. For many, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stop multi-tasking and just be-just focus on the one, singular task on your plate in this very moment. Think back on your own approach to getting things done. Do you feel compelled to talk on the phone while driving? Text as soon as you sit on the couch to watch television? Check an email right after you started reading this (very compelling!) article?

If so, the absolute most effective way to be more productive with your time is to *STOP*. Recent neuroscience research tells us that the brain’s attention centers are even more limited than we once thought. It is simply impossible for our brain to function at its best-or even moderately well-if its attention is constantly divided and shifted. Research suggests identifying occurrences of multitasking and pairing down tasks to focus on one thing at a time. In addition to the productivity gains associated with this approach, it’s also a more balanced and stress-resistant way of life.

Any habit is difficult to break. The habit of constant multi-tasking has proven particularly difficult for me to overcome. Still, I’ve made headway by becoming more aware at my urges to juggle multiple things at once. I’ve also taken note how much easier and quicker it can be to just do one thing at a time. There are, of course, times that it’s necessary to multitask: an important caller phones during your commute or the need to care for others while completing your to do list. It’s an excellent start to eliminate the nonproductive multi-tasking your brain encounters, like noise and temptations to socialize while working. I’ve quieted my workspace from distractions of televisions, music, and the occasional whistle!