Multitasking is the ability to perform more than one task, or activity, at the same time.
But are we saving time doing two or three things at once? Experts throw around phrases like context switching, Switch-Tasking, and continuous partial attention. This article says multitasking can reduce productivity by 40 percent.
When raising kids, we all multitask. Until we can’t.
My daughter recently shattered her wrist. It forced the multitasking mama of three to reorganize priorities. After surgery on her dominant left hand, holding her baby, changing a diaper, tying a balloon, etc. was impossible. Single-tasking became a thing—make a bottle for the baby THEN play Legos with her toddler THEN make lunch. No more juggling chores with a fragile arm not yet in a cast. Life. Slowed. Way. Down.
After trial and error, my clever daughter figured out how to change those diapers, sign for a Fed Ex delivery, (Hey, none of our signatures are legible!) and even prepare homemade pizza with one hand! In celebration, she opened a sparkling bottle of rosé. I don’t know how she did it. I left the room. I fear things that go pop.
With multitasking on the brain, I scrutinized gadgets that intend to do double duty.
Must clutch the spikey comb to brush, or grasp stiff bristles to comb.
Ouch!
Hot or cold.
Not both.
Until my daughter’s wrist heals, some duties can wait. Social media can wait. Dust can wait. Neatly folded clothes? Overrated.
I still multitask—watch Netflix while editing a chapter, eat my lunch and text friends, listen to audio books while sewing.
But my favorite activities are those that demand undivided attention—eating Sunday lunch with my husband, playing the piano, or reading books to my grandchildren.
Singular pleasures!
When do you multitask?
I don’t think I have ever been a competent multitasker. For example, when preparing a meal, where a recipe is required (for me that’s most of the time…how to boil water, page 203) I find it even difficult to carry on a conversation, with anybody but myself. So, the phrase of “can’t walk and chew gum at the same time” applies to me. To learn to play the piano, with both hands…now that’s multitasking!
In so many areas of life, multitasking can be a recipe for disaster. 😉
My recipe for disaster would be listening to an audiobook while driving. Don’t know how Nancy does it, and in heavy morning traffic no less!
I’m still trying to master walking and chewing gum at the same time!