Caesar Syndrome: Is Multitasking Beneficial?

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Myths about Julius Caesar's multitasking have survived to this day. They say he could listen, write, and dictate several letters at the same time. Modern people only listen to these exploits with a smile, snacking while watching a video, texting, and checking email.

Why is multitasking harmful?

Each of us has heard the saying about chasing two birds with one stone, but for some reason, experts had to prove the lack of benefits of multitasking. That's right: scientists, in contrast to influencers, urge to focus on one thing, otherwise there is no question of productivity.

It is a misconception that juggling tasks and constantly switching between them helps to cope with all matters faster. Outwardly, such people seem energetic and on time everywhere, but this is just an illusion. In fact, the shifting of attention centers reduces work efficiency by 40%, according to experts from Stanford University in California.

The human brain is capable of effectively coping with one task, but when overloaded with diverse tasks, the main organ loses concentration, the prioritization and organization of thinking deteriorate. Constant jumping from one task to another is a real stress for our idea generator, so multitasking should be abandoned first of all to preserve health. Otherwise, a person turns into a thoughtless robot with a dull gaze.

How to focus on one thing?

Now that scientists have explained the negative impact of multitasking on the brain, productivity, and quality of work, we need to decide how to learn to focus on one thing. First of all, you should always make a to-do list and gradually move from the first item to the last.

Don't get distracted by social networks, correspondence, or watching a TV series in the background. Allow yourself to concentrate on one thing and ignore endless messages. Ideally, develop the habit of opening only one tab in your browser.

In extreme cases, you can perform two tasks, but they should differ in level of difficulty. Try to follow the 20-minute rule, devoting a certain amount of time to only one task, instead of switching between them.

It is important to take a break between tasks, change your workplace if possible, and delegate tasks to others. In the case of multitasking, most people overestimate the omnipotence of the brain, so it's better not to mention this blatant quality on your resume, unless you're applying for a job as a minibus driver.