Our busy lives make it necessary for many of us to multitask in order to accomplish more. Multitasking has become so easy because of technology, but unfortunately, constant multitasking can cause memory loss and shrink your gray matter. The side effects of these medications may make it difficult for you to stay focused on one task or project for a long period of time.
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Multitasking and Distracted Driving Studies
According to studies, only three percent of us have a brain that is wired to be able to multitask, that is to do more than one thing simultaneously. We all know that when we try to do multiple tasks at once, we actually switch from one to the other, which leads to both tasks suffering.
Despite the fact that you may think you can watch television and respond to emails simultaneously, you probably switch quickly back and forth between them. As a result, you may find that your emails are less coherent or take longer to complete and that your focus on both activities is not as strong as it could be. Obviously, the consequences are much greater if one of the tasks involves driving or operating heavy machinery. Multitasking while driving can contribute to accidents.
Both activities suffer when you switch between two activities continuously. It takes a while to refocus on the original task when you multitask and switch between activities. While driving, imagine that you stop at a red light while fully paying attention to the road. When the light turns green, is it safe to pull out your phone now and check your emails, if you put it back when it turns red again?
Even after the light turns green and you have put down your phone, tests show that you take 18 to 27 seconds to refocus on driving after the light turns green. The time it takes to regain full concentration from using your phone at a red light still puts you at risk of driving distracted.
Our heads might be able to be rubbed while our stomachs are rubbed together, but cognitive tasks require our full attention. Cognitively, certain activities are more demanding than others, and driving, for example, ranks high on this list. Multitasking is defined differently by different traffic safety experts. Some are of the opinion that it includes two tasks of any kind (such as driving and changing the radio station), while others are of the opinion that it only includes cognitive tasks (such as driving and talking on the phone).
Researchers have shown that multitasking while driving adversely affects concentration. A study using MRI technology found that participants’ visual resources were reduced by 37% when answering true/false questions of increasing difficulty in a sentence listening task. With driving, a cognitively demanding task, and answering questions, a cognitively demanding task as well, the brain becomes overloaded.
Negative effects of multitasking
Multitasking negatively affects learning in several ways, according to research. For example, multitasking can lead to:
- Students’ understanding of the information they are taught is weakened.
- Making it more difficult for them to remember what they learned.
- Make the brain work harder.
- Make the main task take longer to complete.
- Reduce performance.
It is best if your student breaks the habit of multitasking throughout the day and finds other ways to accomplish things. What is the best way to stop multitasking? Below are nine suggestions.
Multitasking tips: 9 ways to stop it immediately
You should not start your day by checking your phone
It may seem harmless to glance at your phone in the morning, but it can significantly reduce your productivity. Being triggered into a reactive state of mind by checking your phone right when you wake up is a bad idea. Take a few minutes to properly awaken yourself. Do not check your phone for at least an hour.
Establish a daily priority list
List the tasks that need to be completed in the order that it should be done. You will then be able to focus fully on each task, and ensure that the most important ones get done. You can move items to the next day if you don’t finish everything on your list.
Eliminate or reduce outside distractions
Eliminate distractions from your day as much as possible. While you’re completing a task, turn off your email, text message, and social media notifications. If you are experiencing problems at work, consider scheduling time on your calendar to focus on your task without being interrupted by coworkers.
Distractions should be scheduled at a certain time
Check social media, email, and text messages each day at a specific time. You can use this time for lunch or just before leaving the office. Of course, if you work in an office or your job is related to emails, you can skip this tip.
Don’t be afraid to say no
Multitasking occurs when you are taking on a task you don’t really have time for. When asked to complete additional tasks, don’t be afraid to say no. You should be aware of how many tasks you have on your plate and how long they will take. Just decline if you can’t fit anything else into your schedule. Simple explanations are good; don’t go into too much detail.
Organize and clean work areas
Messes are often distracting. Take it one task at a time. Organize your desk accordingly. It might also be a good idea to remove distracting knickknacks that might distract you from your task.
Don’t multitask during your prime time
When you are at your most attentive and driven, schedule challenging and time-consuming work during these times of the day. Those projects can be tackled first thing after you get to work if you’re a morning person. Attempting to complete these tasks when you are fatigued will cause your mind to wander.
Consider your multitasking habits
To break a habit, the first step is to become aware of it. Identify the patterns that lead to your distractions so that you can be mindful of them in the future, if you find yourself constantly multitasking.
Apps that block distractions may be useful
You can install an app that blocks you from viewing social media accounts during certain hours if you find you are constantly checking your accounts. You can also choose which websites you want to block for a specific amount of time by using an app like this.
Multitasking should not distract you from the tasks you need to complete, or take your focus away from the tasks you should be completing. Take control of your day by following the nine tips above.
Conclusion
Multitasking may seem like an efficient way to get things done, but when it comes to driving, it’s a dangerous habit that can have serious consequences. When you’re behind the wheel, your primary focus should be on the road and operating your vehicle safely. Any type of multitasking, whether it’s using your phone, eating, or talking to passengers, can take your attention away from driving and increase your chances of being involved in an accident. If you absolutely must multitask while driving, make sure to take extra care and go slowly to ensure you’re not putting yourself or others at risk.