How Multitasking Affects Your Midlife Brain And 3 Ways To Manage That Juggling Act

Are you a multitasker? I used to be. Actually, let me clarify. I still am, but I'm working to stop it. You'll understand why once you read this post.

I explain what multitasking is, why it doesn't actually exist, why it doesn't work and how it's harming you on a daily basis. But never fear, I'll leave you with three little steps that you can do to start releasing your multitasking tendencies.

I knew multitasking was bad for you but the deeper I dive into this, the more committed I am to not multitasking for my long-term brain health.

Basically, multitasking is trying to do two things at the same time. This isn't a big deal when you're doing simple tasks like listening to a podcast while working out, or folding laundry while watching tv. However, it becomes a big deal when you're doing more complicated tasks that require focus and brain power. But let's clear up one thing right now: there's no such thing as multitasking.

Why multitasking doesn't actually exist

You may think you're multitasking, but all you're really doing is switching your brain back and forth very quickly. For example, you're working on a project and you stop to check your email, then you go back to your project. And you pop pack back and forth between your project, email, texts, social media, etc.

That's actually called context switching, and our brains are not good at it. That's because God designed our brains to focus on only one task at a time. Context switching is exhausting; it tires out your brain. So if you wonder why you're so tired at the end of the day, it may not be your age. (Surprise!) It could be because you're multitasking/context switching all day long, and that's creating your fatigue.

Note: For simplicity, I'm going to refer to context switching as multitasking.

Why multitasking doesn't work

Multitasking makes your brain less efficient. This lack of efficiency specifically affects your ability to focus even when you're not multitasking. 

Personally, I noticed a deterioration in my concentration and focus skills when I was multitasking on a daily basis. Even reading a book was more difficult. 

Multitasking isn't good in general, but it's especially bad if you engage in a lot of "media multitasking." According to Scientific American, media multitasking is defined as "engaging with multiple forms of digital or screen-based media simultaneously, whether they are television, texting, or Instagram."

This 2020 article goes on to say that media multitasking is disrupting memory even in young adults, and it's referred to as "memory sapping attention lapses."

If media multitasking is affecting the kids so even they can't recall or focus or pay attention well, what do you think it's doing to us, the midlifers?! We do not have the advantage of that young, healthy brain tissue that we used to have.

At this age, we have to be thinking about our brain health more than ever before. As we get older, we have to consider things like Alzheimer's and dementia. It's not fun to talk about, but it's a very real possibility as we get older.

So on that bright note, you're probably wondering what you need to do to stop multitasking so much. Just focus on only one thing at a time. That's it. That's all you need to stop multitasking. (heh!)

Three ways to release your midlife multitasking tendencies 

Easy Ager, you know I would never leave you hanging without some serious fun-sized actions to help you start reducing those midlife multitasking tendencies.

1. Allow yourself to be bored. If you're standing in line at the grocery store or waiting for someone to join you at a restaurant, resist the urge to look at your phone. I didn't realize I was doing this so much until I tried not to do it. It got so bad that I started leaving my phone at home or in the car. I couldn't help myself.
   
   Then I decided to begin acting like I did before cell phones existed. When I started thinking of it that way, it got a lot easier to lift up my head and watch the people and activities around me. I started engaging in conversations. Remember that? Face-to-face conversation? Eye contact with another human being? It's so much more interesting than what is happening on that screen.
2. Turn off all phone notifications for a set amount of time. In The Steps I'm Taking To Stop Feeling Like Pavlov's Dog in Midlife, I wrote about feeling like Pavlov's dog. Every time the dog heard the bell, it would salivate. For me, every time I heard the beep, I would pick up my phone. Then it would beep again, and I would pick up my phone. Finally I said, "Oh good heavens, I've got to turn this off."
   
   So I turned off all phone notifications except phone calls. Now that I have everything turned off, I check email once or twice a day, and I check my texts about four times a day. Life has become quieter and more peaceful. And, I'm happy to say, I'm getting my focus back. I feel like I'm actually reclaiming what is rightfully mine by turning off all these notifications.
   
   When you get started, turn off the notifications on your phone for two to five minutes. Then gradually start increasing that time to the point where you are in control of that phone and it's not in control of you anymore.
3. Batch your tasks to increase your focus. Batching is just putting similar tasks together. If you're checking email, focus on that. If you're cleaning the house, focus on that. Batch all those tasks together and get them done at one time. For example, if you're watching tv, put away your devices so you can focus on the show and enjoy it. If you're cleaning, do all the dusting and vaccuuming one day, then mop the next day.

Start working on your multitasking (or context switching) tendencies today. You'll have more energy, more focus, and you'll be making your brain healthier along the way.

Grab your free copy of How To Reclaim Your Energy And Kick Midlife Blues To The Curb: A Simple Guide

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