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.
Isn’t that what you’re really doing when multitasking? No one is mixing the bowl with one hand while picking up the toys with the other. You’re mixing the bowl and throwing the thing in the oven. Then running to pick up the toys, then back in the kitchen to cut up the veggies than grab the broom and sweep.
Multitasking is basically the same as micro time blocking. Unless I’m missing something here.
Something sounds awfully wrong with this strategy.
I think what the author is saying, is that if you set a timer, you are giving yourself permission to just concentrate on this one task for 5 min (or 10, whatever) because you know that in another 5 (or 10), you will get to that other thing, you won’t forget about it. And you are going to accomplish more in those those times 5 min than you would otherwise, because you are giving it your full focus.
Obviously, sticking with one task till completion is the best and most efficient. But when that is not possible, recognize that you can’t focus on two things at once. You’ll likely make mistakes and get confused, wasting time. This strategy helps you focus fully on one thing at a time, even if all you have is just for 5 min.
Maybe before assuming it won’t work, give it a try? It might not be the right strategy for you, but maybe there are some merits to it for others.
This is so real—multitasking always feels like the only option, especially Erev Shabbos, but it just makes everything more chaotic. Love the micro time-blocking idea! Five minutes at a time feels way less overwhelming. Definitely trying this next week.
Multi tasking is a problem. But the solution is not to train oneself to switch tasks every five minutes. That sounds like a remedy for someone with severe adhd
Loved this! I never realized how much multitasking was slowing me down. Micro time-blocking sounds like a smart, doable solution.
Yes!! This is so totally my brain. Anything can be done if its just in small amounts of time i am so down on this one
This idea is really talking to me! I usually find myself running after my tail all Friday starting one thing, then jumping to the next, then going back… this sounds like it can really work for me. Thank you!