Week 3 Discussion 1 – PSY115003VA016-1166-001 Multitasking vs. Singltasking” Please respond to the following: Please read this TIME Money article, “Why You Should Stop Multitasking and Start Singletasking” and then respond to the following questions: What are your most frequent multitasking distractions at work, at home with your family, and while studying or doing homework? Which of the recommendations in the article are you most interested in trying and what do you think will be the biggest challenge in sticking with it? What recommendations do you have for minimizing distractions when focusing on important tasks? Sometimes multitasking is appropriate; for example, reading news headlines while waiting in line at the grocery store. What are some other examples of appropriate multitasking? Use new APA references and subheadings to answer
Most Frequent Multitasking Distractions
At work: Email notifications, colleagues coming to my desk for discussions, and the urge to check social media are my most frequent distractions while multitasking at work.
At home with family: Distractions while multitasking at home with my family can include household chores, television, and children seeking my attention.
While studying or doing homework: Distractions while studying or doing homework include my phone buzzing with notifications, getting distracted by social media, and the temptation to procrastinate.
Recommendations from the Article
I am most interested in trying the recommendation to take short breaks to refocus my attention and avoid burnout. I believe the biggest challenge in sticking with this will be controlling my urge to check my phone during these breaks.
Minimizing Distractions
My recommendations for minimizing distractions when focusing on important tasks include:
Turn off notifications on my phone and computer to avoid interruptions
Use a timer to stay focused on one task for a set period of time
Prioritize tasks and focus on the most important ones first
Find a quiet place to work or study to minimize external distractions
Appropriate Multitasking
Other examples of appropriate multitasking include listening to an audiobook while doing household chores, or making a to-do list while taking a walk.
References:
“Why You Should Stop Multitasking and Start Singletasking.” TIME Money, 29 Mar. 2018, money.com/stop-multitasking-start-singletasking/.
