Is it possible to Multitask?

Most people believe that multitasking is not only possible but essential to maximizing productivity. But is this true?

To understand this better I will refer to the research outlined by Dr. Compernolle in his book “Brain Chains”. According to him we have essentially three brains. The “reflex” brain, which we share in common with animals, controls our automatic reactions to sensory data as it is received in the present. This is the unconscious brain. The “reflecting” brain is what allows to think abstractly including about the past and the future and to create and invent. Mathematics is in the realm of this brain. The “archiving” brain stores information into memory. The "archiving" brain is in competition with the "reflecting" brain as they both use working memory to function. This means that when you are thinking hard you are not storing much information and vice versa. Archiving works best during breaks from thinking or when you are asleep.

The key to remember is that the thinking or "reflecting" brain can only work on one thing at a time and when it is distracted by various demands like emails, texts, phone calls, etc. the efficiency of the thinking brain is significantly reduced. The means that you will spend a lot more time to complete the various tasks if you try to multitask as opposed to completing each individual task separately. 

So what are some practical things you can do to avoid “multitasking”?
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1. Batch Processing: Complete emails/social media responses in batches and at most 4 times per day.
2. Avoid CC'ing people
3. Don't answer every email
4. Avoid using the smartphone for work related items
5. When driving turn off your phone
6. Wear earplugs to eliminate distractions
7. Take micro breaks
8. Disconnect from electronic media
9. Finish what you start before moving on. 

In conclusion if you want to be more efficient then eliminate your need to multitask.  

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