Think You Can Multitask? Science Says You’re Doing Everything at 60%

I’ve watched my boyfriend try to multitask more times than I can count. He’ll scroll through his phone while we talk, answer emails while cooking, or switch between tasks mid-conversation. And honestly? I just can’t do it. I’m the kind of person who wants to focus 100% on one thing, get it done, and then move on.

But he seems to be able to multitask. So does that mean I’m less capable? The truth is simple: no one truly multitasks. What we call multitasking is really rapid task-switching, and our brains pay a real cost every time attention jumps. Someone who “does it all” is usually just doing everything at 60%, sacrificing quality, focus, and even emotional presence.

Let’s break down the science, the brain effects, and why something always has to give.

Why Multitasking Feels Productive — But Isn’t

When people multitask, it feels like they’re accomplishing more. Watching a video while responding to messages seems efficient. But neuroscience shows that your brain can only focus fully on one attention-demanding task at a time. What we call multitasking is switching back and forth quickly, which creates mental overhead and reduces performance. (Science News Today, 2023)

Your boyfriend may feel productive, but each switch between tasks reduces focus, increases mistakes, and slows real progress.

7 Surprising Facts About Multitasking

1. Your Brain Wasn’t Built for True Multitasking

Our prefrontal cortex handles decision-making, planning, and focus. It processes one attention-demanding task at a time. Trying two at once is like asking a sprinter to run two races at the same time. (Science News Today, 2023)

2. Multitasking Slows You Down

Switching tasks comes with a “switch cost.” Studies show it can reduce efficiency by up to 40%, meaning you spend more time than if you focused on a single task. (MindNix, 2023)

3. Memory and Learning Take a Hit

Your brain encodes memories best with sustained attention. Constantly switching tasks prevents deep processing, making it harder to remember details later. (Science News Today, 2023)

4. Stress Levels Increase

Frequent task-switching ramps up cortisol, the stress hormone. Your brain works harder to stay on top of multiple demands, leaving you mentally exhausted. (Mayooshin, 2023)

5. Heavy Multitaskers Are Often Less Focused

People who think they’re great multitaskers actually perform worse on cognitive tests. They struggle to organize thoughts and filter distractions effectively. (Forbes, 2014)

6. Emotional Regulation Suffers

Switching tasks repeatedly weakens the prefrontal cortex’s ability to control emotions, making us more reactive and less patient. (Science News Today, 2023)

7. Multitasking May Make You Feel Busy — But Not Effective

It creates an illusion of productivity, yet most tasks are done at partial attention. True accomplishment comes from single-tasking.

Why Single-Tasking Works Better

Focused work — giving one task your full attention — allows your brain to enter flow, a state of deep engagement that improves learning, memory, and creativity. Single-tasking leads to:

• Fewer mistakes

• Better retention of information

• Faster completion of tasks overall

• Lower stress levels

• Greater presence in conversations and relationships

This is why I prefer finishing one task at a time, instead of splitting attention across multiple things.

How Multitasking Affects Relationships

When my boyfriend tries to multitask while we’re together, I notice the difference. He’s distracted, emotionally distant, and partially present. According to research, multitasking during conversations decreases connection, empathy, and recall of details. (Psychology Today, 2023)

Being fully present — single-tasking — strengthens emotional bonds, ensures better communication, and reduces misunderstandings.

What You Can Do Instead

If you want to honor your brain’s natural design and stay productive:

1. Focus on one task at a time — commit fully until it’s done.

2. Turn off distractions — silence your phone, close tabs, and eliminate notifications.

3. Schedule focused work blocks — timebox tasks and honor your focus periods.

4. Practice mindfulness — staying present improves attention and reduces stress.

5. Celebrate deep focus wins — finishing tasks fully gives a sense of accomplishment.

When Multitasking Might Work (Rarely)

There are exceptions. Some very specific, repetitive tasks (like sorting emails while listening to a podcast) can be done together without much cognitive cost. But anything requiring deep attention, creativity, or emotional presence will always suffer under multitasking.

Final Thought

The myth of multitasking is persistent, but the science is clear: our brains can’t truly do two complex tasks at once. Something always gives — usually attention, quality, and focus.

So the next time you’re tempted to split your attention, remember: focusing fully on one thing isn’t old-fashioned — it’s how your brain thrives. And sometimes, the best gift you can give yourself — and others — is being fully present.

Love Gracie xoxo