Multitasking vs. Single-Tasking: A Simple Way to Feel Less Scattered
Thu Feb 05 2026
Multitasking sounds like a superpower, but most of the time it’s really task switching—jumping back and forth so fast we don’t notice the cost. In this episode, we talk about the difference between true multitasking and rapid switching, and why switching can make you less effective, less productive, and less present.
We also share a few real-life examples (knitting while watching TV, exercising with an audiobook, checking email mid-writing) and a simple “Good Enough” experiment: using tiny waiting moments—like a login screen—as a cue to take a few breaths and come back to what you’re doing.
What We Talk About01:28 — When multitasking can work: knitting while watching TV (and why writing postcards while watching is different).03:33 — A combo that often works: physical tasks (folding laundry, exercising) while listening to an audiobook (or podcast!).04:29 — Why switching tasks can make you less productive than single-tasking.05:47 — The “attention test”: if both tasks need brain power (like sorting and chatting), something gets missed.06:45 — Phone + conversation: noticing how it affects connection, and small ways to be more present with people.10:22 — The “lag reflex”: switching away during a short wait (like logging into a bank) and getting pulled into email or Facebook.11:08 — A simple strategy: practice staying with a few seconds of discomfort so you can finish the task.13:01 — Meditation explained in plain terms: not “no thoughts,” but returning to your focus.14:42 — Anchoring mindfulness to your desk chair: building calm where you actually work.15:44 — Shannon shares how ADHD can amplify distraction and unfinished tasks (especially off meds).17:13 — Reframing single-tasking as self-care: more calm, more “done,” and less stress.
Key TakeawaysMost multitasking is really task switching: If you’re bouncing between email, a document, and social media, you’re not doing three things at once—you’re switching. And switching often makes everything take longer.Some pairings can be “good enough” multitasking: If one task is automatic or physical (like knitting, folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, brushing your teeth), it may pair well with listening.If both tasks require attention, you’ll feel scattered: Sorting, writing, and meaningful conversations all need focus. Trying to stack them usually means you’re only half there.Use waiting moments as a mindfulness cue: Instead of opening Facebook during a 10-second pause, try three slow breaths or counting breaths...
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Multitasking sounds like a superpower, but most of the time it’s really task switching—jumping back and forth so fast we don’t notice the cost. In this episode, we talk about the difference between true multitasking and rapid switching, and why switching can make you less effective, less productive, and less present. We also share a few real-life examples (knitting while watching TV, exercising with an audiobook, checking email mid-writing) and a simple “Good Enough” experiment: using tiny waiting moments—like a login screen—as a cue to take a few breaths and come back to what you’re doing. What We Talk About01:28 — When multitasking can work: knitting while watching TV (and why writing postcards while watching is different).03:33 — A combo that often works: physical tasks (folding laundry, exercising) while listening to an audiobook (or podcast!).04:29 — Why switching tasks can make you less productive than single-tasking.05:47 — The “attention test”: if both tasks need brain power (like sorting and chatting), something gets missed.06:45 — Phone + conversation: noticing how it affects connection, and small ways to be more present with people.10:22 — The “lag reflex”: switching away during a short wait (like logging into a bank) and getting pulled into email or Facebook.11:08 — A simple strategy: practice staying with a few seconds of discomfort so you can finish the task.13:01 — Meditation explained in plain terms: not “no thoughts,” but returning to your focus.14:42 — Anchoring mindfulness to your desk chair: building calm where you actually work.15:44 — Shannon shares how ADHD can amplify distraction and unfinished tasks (especially off meds).17:13 — Reframing single-tasking as self-care: more calm, more “done,” and less stress. Key TakeawaysMost multitasking is really task switching: If you’re bouncing between email, a document, and social media, you’re not doing three things at once—you’re switching. And switching often makes everything take longer.Some pairings can be “good enough” multitasking: If one task is automatic or physical (like knitting, folding laundry, emptying the dishwasher, brushing your teeth), it may pair well with listening.If both tasks require attention, you’ll feel scattered: Sorting, writing, and meaningful conversations all need focus. Trying to stack them usually means you’re only half there.Use waiting moments as a mindfulness cue: Instead of opening Facebook during a 10-second pause, try three slow breaths or counting breaths...