This is my plea to try multi-purposing instead of multitasking.

Yes, it’s tempting to multitask, but it’s bad for your brain and the quality of the work you’re trying to do. When you rapidly switch between two complex tasks, such as participating in a meeting and checking emails on the side, you get distracted doing both. And you’re more prone to making errors as well as taxing yourself.

Instead, if you try “multi-purposing,” you’re intentionally doing one complex activity along with a simple one. For example ask a colleague to join you for lunch or a walking meeting. Listen to a podcast or audio book while you exercise or drive. In these situations, you’re able to concentrate on both actions without stressing your brain. That’s because you’re tapping into different brain networks simultaneously that don’t compete with one another.

For more about the benefits of multi-purposing and the downsides of multitasking, read my latest Forbes Coaches Council post, Be kind to your brain: Choose “multi-purposing” over multitasking published online July 23, 2024.