Multi-tasking is the opposite of mindfulness.
By giving many tasks partial attention, instead of dedicating full attention to the task at hand, one is likely to be forgetful and careless.
This habit can also have an adverse effect on relationships...one is in the company of a loved one, but not fully present in the moment.
Your Brain on Multitasking - vs Mindfulness
eating_passionate_users/2005/03/your_brain_on_m.html
Your brain on multitasking
[…] Although there have been plenty of studies to show otherwise, the belief that multitasking will let us get more done continues. […] It makes me crazy when I’m trying to have a conversation with someone […] while they’re saying, “Uh-huh… yeah… I’m listening…sure, I can do this and talk at the same time…”. […]
Our brains can’t do even two independent things that require conscious thought, especially if those two things involve different goals. […] With each context switch, say, from the phone conversation to the email, there’s a hit. […]
One of the things I really like about stress-management expert Jon Kabat-Zinn is that he sometimes offers seminars and workshops on time-management, but when you get there, it turns out his approach isn’t about how you manage your file folders, but about mindfulness. Practicing mindfulness is like adding more hours to your day. If you’re mindful, time slows down. You get more done, enjoy things more, and feel less stress. […]
[…] Imagine what it would be like if every time your co-worker, friend, spouse, lover, child wanted to say something to you and you turned and gave that person all your attention. End of story. No television sucking you into the event horizon. No glancing at the computer. No talking on the phone or checking your watch or reading a report… just 100% mindful, totally there, perfect eye contact, YOU. If you already do this now, that’s awesome. If not, then if you try it–and I mean really try it–your family might think something’s wrong with you. (One of those, “Who are you and what have you done with my husband?” moments.)
One tip: […] If you must have television, make it a destination event. Something you do consciously like choosing to go to the theater. […] Television literally sucks your energy, while simultaneously making you feel like it’s helping you to relax. (There’s a great issue of Scientific American special edition on the Mind (volumne 14, number 1) that goes into a lot of technical detail about this.)
If you want to get more done, be mindful.
If you want to have more time, be mindful.
Mindful means one thing at a time.
It’s how the brain works, no matter how you try to convince yourself you can do it (although there is evidence that fast media/video-gamer kids are a little faster at switching. Not because they have a younger brain, but because their brains were more wired for this pace at a younger age).
[…] When you’re answering email, don’t try to talk to someone at the same time. Be the emailing.
Posted by Kathy Sierra on her blog on March 9, 2005 | Permalink
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Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Your brain on multitasking: […]
» Multitasking - It’s a Good Thing from Bridging the Gaps: Using Connections, Technologies, Strategies, & Human Interests
We all disparage multitasking yet we all do it? Why? Maybe because there is real value in multitasking at the right time but it is so easy to get caught into the a little is good therefore more must be… [Read More]
Tracked on Mar 6, 2006 12:22:05 PM
http://www.imagiscape.ca/blog/caregiving/your-brain-on-multitasking