Why Your Brain Can’t Do 2 Things at the Same Time

Multitasking actually reduces productivity and makes you feel more overwhelmed. If you have to much to do (especially when its erev Shabbos), try this trick instead.

How to Stay Productive Without Overloading Your Brain

Trying to multitask might feel like the only way to get everything done, but in reality, it does the opposite. When we split our attention, neither task gets our full focus, leading to more mistakes, inefficiency, and a constant feeling of overwhelm.

Research shows that chronic multitasking increases stress levels by up to 40%, putting you at higher risk for anxiety, burnout, and even depression. In fact, nearly 8 out of 10 adults struggle with task overload, often without realizing how much it’s affecting their mental health.

From a neurological perspective, multitasking overloads the prefrontal cortex, the part of your brain responsible for attention and decision-making. The brain isn’t built to focus on multiple tasks at once—it rapidly switches between them. Each switch drains energy, increases cortisol (your stress hormone), and leaves you feeling mentally exhausted.

A Simple Fix: Micro Time-Blocking (perfect for erev Shabbos)

Instead of juggling two pressing tasks at once (think cooking the Friday night meal, and cleaning the house for Shabbos), try micro time-blocking:

• Set a 5-minute timer to focus solely on the first task.

• When the timer ends, switch to the second task for another 5 minutes.

• Repeat until both are complete.

This strategy helps you stay focused, reduces cognitive overload, and actually makes you more efficient, without the stress.