How Many Tasks Can You Do At Once?

Earlier this year some research by French scientists was reported in the press suggesting that the brain is able to carry out two tasks at once but perhaps not more than that, because each half of the brain focuses on one task.

To find out more, click on the link below:

Brain Splits to Multi Task

If you read the article carefully you may see that it refers to the brain 'switching' between two tasks. Indeed this has been the received wisdom to date from psychologists: that actually you can't concentrate on more than one task at a time. Therefore although you might do one activity automatically through habit whilst concentrating on another, you can't actually concentrate on two different activities at the same time, you will switch your focus from one to the other.

Often the advice is given that if you are trying to do two activities which require concentration, it is more efficient to do one and then the other rather than to flit backwards and forwards.

For this view - that actually multitasking is not as easy as some people may claim - check out the following link:

Can We Really Multitask?

Forgetting the science, what is practical advice?

My suggestion would be that so long as you can do it safely, try it out each way in a situation where you might be tempted to attempt to multitask. See for yourself which you prefer - what is more efficient and easier on the stress levels for you - is it trying to do more than one thing at once or trying to focus on one thing at a time? Find out what works best for you personally and go with that.

Blog Post Written by Life Coach David
For Life coaching Books and Resources visit: Life Coaching Books