Your Brain Wasn’t Built for Multitasking
Why Multitasking Is Making You Feel Scattered
Hi friend,
We live in a world that praises multitasking. Answering emails while in meetings. Listening to podcasts while cooking. Swiping through tabs while pretending to focus.
It makes us feel efficient—like we’re getting more done in less time.
But your brain wasn’t designed to multitask.
What actually happens when we multitask?
When we “multitask,” we’re not doing multiple things at once. We’re actually rapidly switching between tasks. And every switch comes with a cost: lost time, reduced focus, and increased stress.
Neuroscience calls this the “switching penalty.” Even a small shift—like glancing at your phone—can take your brain several minutes to fully refocus. The result? You feel scattered, tired, and strangely unproductive, even after a busy day.
Why monotasking is the antidote
Doing one thing at a time—on purpose—is a form of mindfulness. It brings your attention into the present moment. It quiets the mental noise. It reminds you that you’re allowed to go slow and go deep.
Even simple acts—washing the dishes, writing an email, sipping your coffee—can become restorative when done with full awareness.
Download my free browser extension to recenter, destress, and recharge your mind:
Try This:
Today, choose one task—anything—and do it with your full attention. No background tabs. No rushing. No “just checking real quick.”
Let it be enough.
You might be surprised at how peaceful it feels to be fully here.
Multitasking may be the norm, but presence is the superpower.
Let’s reclaim it—one tab, one breath, one moment at a time.
Until next time,
Nathan
Creator of Serenity Tabs