is your brain on overload?

How many things are you doing right now?

If you're anything like me, you're on your computer, you're texting your friend about happy hour plans tomorrow, the television is set to HGTV in the background, you're waiting for those cupcakes to finish baking, you're thinking about how you should probably return you mom's call from (two? three? eight?) days ago...

Um...how can one do so many things at once? Simple: We can't.

It's a fact that the human brain cannot conduct two cognitive tasks at once. Sure, you can run AND listen to music; however, you cannot read a novel AND watch Liz Lemon do something awkward and truly focus on both.

Our culture has become obsessed with multitasking. If you've been on a job interview lately, you likely boasted your skills as a "great multitasker." My family can't get through a game of Scrabble without someone getting out their phone. Heck -- AT&T even assures people that they can talk on the phone WHILE searching online!

I imagine that this obsession with multitasking is a result of the convenience of technology: There are so many ways to entertain oneself these days! But, is it helping us advance as a society? According to one study, the excessive multitasking is actually hurting our ability to focus! Too...many...bursts...of info...

This is probably not groundbreaking information to anyone. The bigger question might be, "How can I focus?" Here are a few tips to stay on top of the multitasking trap:

1) Become aware of what you are doing. Step one is making the concious effort to notice how often you talk on the phone, glance at GoogleNews, and paint your nails all at the same time. You can't stop doing something unless you realize you are doing it!

2) Set yourself up to focus. Place your phone in one designated place while you're at home instead of in your pocket or in your left hand. Keep your computer in it's own room (or area if you have a small space like me!). Go into a technology-free area when talking on the phone and listen to the other person speak!

3) Strive to prioritize. Instead of taking design notes watching David Bromstad while you research volunteer opportunities and listen to stories from you sister about her "amazing boyfriend," stop. Evaluate everything you want to accomplish in your evening or your day at work. Make a list of different things you'd like or need to do. Once you see your tasks, it will be much easier to work on things one at a time, and you won't feel the need to rush around and work on too many things at once.

Sounds simple, no? The benefits are endless. Your boss will appreciate your organization and attention to detail (you won't miss that important sentence as you scan an email because you were on the phone anymore!). Your friends will appreciate your listening skills (you will hear the mumble about the dog chewing her fav headband and shock her with a new one!).

You will be amazed at your newfound productivity! Efficiency rules.