| Human Multitasking |
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| Articles Of Hope For - Stress Management |
| Written by Sharon Merhalski |
Human Multitasking: The ability to develop and follow multiple thought processes simultaneously. To do many things at one time. David Levy, a University of Washington professor: “Scientists call this phenomenon "cognitive overload," and say it encompasses the modern-day angst of stress, multitasking, distraction and data flurries. In fact, multitasking — a computing term that involves doing, or trying to do, more than one thing at once — has cemented itself into our daily lives and is intensely studied. Research has shown it to be consistently counterproductive, often foolish, unhealthy in the long run, and in the case of gabbing on the cell phone while driving, relatively dangerous. Yet it is also expected, encouraged and basically essential. Multitasking Creates Health Problems United Press International - August 6, 2001 ANN ARBOR, Mich., Aug 05, 2001 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A new study finds that while doing multiple tasks at once may appear to be more efficient it actually is more time consuming and in some cases poses health risks. "One thing to understand is that people don't probably appreciate as much as they should when it's OK to multitask and when it's not," researcher David Meyer at the University of Michigan told United Press International. "They get tired when they're trying to multitask" and in some cases, a person could ultimately create more work for himself, he said. When people go back and forth between activities, such as browsing the Internet to talking on a cell phone, for example, they are using areas of the brain called prefontal cortex and parietal cortex, Meyer explained. The mental processes involved in switching tasks, however, can take fractions of a second, which add up during multitasking. These fractions of a second can become a health risk, he said, when a driver is talking on a cell phone and loses control of the vehicle. "It's a very serious health risk and there are health risks like this pervading the environment," he said. Other health risks of multitasking, Meyer added, include mental burnout, anxiety and depression. Multitasking and angst about its necessity have been studied for several decades, and Roman philosopher Publilius Syrus himself uttered in 100 B.C., "To do two things at once is to do neither." Yet, multitasking is constant now. We do it because it is expected, but also because we believe we can — sort of. The truth, says, David Meyer, a Michigan psychologist and cognitive scientist who has run several studies on the subject, is we don't and can't do it well. We can if the tasks are simple and virtually automatic (think walking and chewing gum at the same time) but true, effective, efficient, meaningful multitasking is akin to jamming two TV signals down the same cable wire. You get static, not high-definition. Closely related to trying to do two things at once is "task-switching," which is when you flit between functions. Meyer, who heads the University of Michigan's Brain, Cognition and Action Laboratory, has tested this practice and says the results are clear: Constant nibbling from one task to another both slows and dumbs you down. It also is fatiguing and potentially harmful in terms of long-term health, and the cost of that split second you lose when you're talking on the phone and a traffic obstacle arises. When we switch from one task to another and back again, our brain is pushing pause and play buttons, something that appears to make us unique, says neuroscientist Jordan Grafman. The frontal cortex acts as the main boss, assessing tasks, ranking importance and ordering what comes when. Yet, what to do next isn't always its decision. Your boss wants something now, a co-worker barges into your cubicle, your kid's soccer game just got moved. "We're stressing people out with multitasking demands over time," says Grafman of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in Maryland. And it will cause further decline in our health and performance, he says, if we keep it up. "The brain gets confused and looks for default mechanisms. It becomes hard to focus; we take shortcuts." Multitasking has become a workplace -- and even a household -- buzzword as e-mails, pagers, cell phones and other technological advances push mainstream culture into what critics have sometimes dubbed a 24/7 lifestyle, where people are constantly "on" 24 hours a day and seven days a week. Meyer told UPI he expects this culture to continue and that the growing interest in self-relaxation practices which emphasize quieting the mind, will become even more popular as people continue trying to juggle multiple tasks at once. Although there is little previous documented research on the psychological ramifications of persistent multi-tasking, the issue is gaining more attention, especially among behavioral scientists, health care providers and even anthropologists. At San Jose University in San Jose, Calif., home to the ever-multitasking Silicon Valley, researchers Charles Darrah, J. A. English-Lueck and James Freeman write this constant life-on-the-go can make people feel a lack of control over their lives. Multi-tasking is a very misunderstood activity. Most people claim to be multi-tasking, when what they are really doing is wearing themselves out trying to do too many things at once. Here are some tips for helping you multi-task effectively without burning yourself out. 1. Pair activities that require a lot of mental attention with those that require little or no mental attention. Many people make the mistake of attempting to do two activities which both require mental focus at the same time. Multi-tasking works best when you pair an activity that requires your attention with another that doesn't. For example, you might read while peddling your stationery bike. 2. Make a plan. Having a written plan for the things that I need to do helps me identify which things can be done at the same time. It also helps me see things that can be delegated, and things that will be more effective if done in a sequence. Before I learned to multi-task, I would run out in the morning and do two errands. Then I would run out at lunch and do another, then two more after work. Now I have learned how to map an effective route through town that will let me hit all of my errands efficiently and get them out of the way in one quick trip. 3. Make your wait time productive. Never allow someone else to waste your time. Almost everywhere I go, I carry a small tote bag (or a brief case if you prefer). I carry reading materials, such as a magazine or book, note cards, bills and my checkbook, etc. Carry work related materials if you prefer – the latest proposal you need to read, or a report that requires your feedback. When you are forced to wait pull out something you can do to make your wait productive. 4. Leverage the time of others. Are you someone who feels that you have to do everything yourself? If you can get others to pitch in, the work gets done faster and, technically, you are doing more than one thing at a time. Remember, you do not have to do something yourself to know that you have completed the task. Delegate. Ask your spouse to take out the trash while you do the dishes. Have friends over for a covered dish or potluck supper. Everyone agrees to bring something and it is not only less work for you, but you get to try out each other's special dishes. Ask your teammates at work to help out with a project. Remember that asking for help from your friends or co-workers also implies a relationship in which you will at some time be the giver instead of the receiver. Hire. If you can afford it, hire others to do the work you hate or which you feel is not a good use of your time. This also provides an income for someone else. A good example would be hiring a housekeeper or a yard service. While they are cleaning your house or mowing your grass, you can be doing something else. Accept offers of assistance. When someone offers to do something, or help with something – let them! Unless you believe there are strings attached, accept any sincere offer of assistance... and be willing to reciprocate when appropriate. 5. TV time is a great time for multi-tasking. I try to limit my television viewing to special shows. If you really don't want to turn the TV off, try to add another activity. Some people will exercise while watching TV – maybe you can put your treadmill or stationery bike where you can view the TV, or make an agreement with yourself that you will do push ups or crunches on every commercial. I also use TV time to read magazines, pay bills, send notes and cards, or cross-stitch. 6. Group similar activities. It is important to me that I keep up with my friends and business associates. I have a group of girlfriends that I enjoy seeing regularly. They all know and like each other, so rather than meeting with or having lunch with each of them separately, we schedule a "Girlfriend" outing at least once a month and everyone gets together at the same time. Likewise, I have a group of business associates that all know and enjoy each other. Rather than schedule four separate lunch meetings, we will plan lunch or dinner as a group, and everyone catches up at the same time. Give your wallet and waistline a break. Unless you need to discuss something confidential or pertinent to only one person, try a group gathering. 7. Take advantage of technology. A portable phone will allow you to pick up stuff around the living room while chatting on the phone. (A cordless headset will give you two hands free!) I work from home and will usually run the dishwasher and the washing machine while I am working. A website can be used to market your business, and even generate income while you sleep. (I should mention here that I am NOT a big advocate for talking on your cell phone while driving.) 8. Involve the people you cherish in your activities. One of the most difficult things about our busy schedules is having the time to do community service, or other activities and still spend time with the people you love. Use multi-tasking by involving those you love in your activities. Find a community service activity where you can involve your kids, friends, or significant other. If you have younger children consider becoming a scout leader or sports coach so that you can donate your time and be with your children. Teenagers can be involved in more sophisticated activities like volunteering with you at the Food Bank or Habitat for Humanity. I often recruit friends to go shopping with me. My husband and I work out together at the gym. Get creative. See how you can do the things you want and still spend time with the ones you love and enjoy. 9. Many hands make light work. Another opportunity to flex your creative muscle. Every year at Christmas, one of my close friends (a single woman) has a tree trimming party. She provides dinner, and the friends gather together to put up and decorate her tree. Consider a cookout/car wash. Have your friends meet at noon and bring a dish for a cookout. Have a ball washing everyone's car. In late afternoon, wrap up with a cookout. Remind everyone to bring dry clothes... I think you might need them. 10. Remember that some things deserve your undivided attention. You wouldn’t want your surgeon watching TV while removing your appendix! Some things are so important that they require your full attention. I never multi-task my quality time with my spouse and kids. (Almost never, see #8 above.) I also give my time with God priority. Don't attempt to multi-task while praying, meditating, or sitting in church. Remember, too, that problems or issues at work or home will be handled most effectively if you will give them your complete focus. 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Human Multitasking Wednesday, 15 July 2009 Human Multitasking: The ability to develop and follow multiple thought processes simultaneously. To do many things at one time. David Levy, a University of Washington professor: “Scientists call this phenomenon "cognitive overload," and... © 2010 - Titus 2 Men And Women Powered by QuoteThis © 2008 |
