Boosting Productivity and Better Ways to Multitask

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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I used to multitask all the time, and it totally undermined my productivity. So I became completely anti-multitasking — until I realized that in some situations, multitasking is actually the key to reducing stress and getting more done. 

I shared some of my top tips for multitasking more effectively and intentionally on PIX11 News in New York City (you can check out the video here).

Want to join me and reclaim multitasking? Here’s how:

1) Not every task is created equal. 

Reading and talking on the phone, texting and driving — those tasks don’t play well together. 

Why? Each pair uses the same part of your brain. Reading and talking both require language comprehension. Texting and driving both use motor control and attention to detail.

You can’t complete two tasks that activate the same parts of your brain. We’re just not wired that way!

2) Put the right tasks together. 

Instead, pair tasks that use different parts of your brain. Doing this can boost productivity by keeping you engaged.

We actually do this naturally — that’s why so many people doodle in meetings. Drawing helps keep you focused! You’re using two different skill areas that complement one another. 

3) Repetitive tasks are ideal for multitasking.

The best times for intentional multitasking are when you’re doing repetitive tasks.

Gardening, for example, is a great time to listen to language lessons. You’re using your hands for gardening and your brain to learn the language, so there’s no competition between tasks. And the repetition means you can get into a flow state, which is great for productivity. Cooking while listening to a podcast and organizing files while listening to an audiobook work just as well for the same reasons. 

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4) Walking goes well with big decisions. 

If you do it in the right situations, multitasking can boost productivity. And the same is true for making decisions. Putting low-intensity physical activity such as walking with a decision-making moment can help you stay focused on what you need to think about.

Moving your body into new spaces can help you get perspective and feel energized. This is a great trick when you have a decision coming up — multitask walking with mulling it over. You might be surprised how well it works!

Multitasking has a bad reputation — but in some situations, it can actually boost your productivity!

For more tips, you can check out my full segment on PIX11 News in New York City.

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BONUS FREEBIE: Want even more ways to stay organized, productive and less stressed? CLICK HERE to get access to my List-Making Starter Kit. It will boost your efficiency and get you back to doing more of the things you love.

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