You may have heard the analogy before that women are like dry erase boards. We usually have about 7 things going on in our minds at once - pay the bills, make a dentist appointment, take the kids to soccer, go to the grocery store, return library books, and get the laundry started. On top of that, take care of the kids, make lunches, clean up, and keep everyone safe from harm. Our minds are constantly filled with tasks to complete.
But, could this great art of multitasking actually be working against you?
As a mother of 2 young children, my days are filled with multitasking. I can cook at the stove with one hand, hold my 10 month old on my hip with the other hand, cradle the phone between my ear and shoulder, and help my daughter with an art project all at the same time. But should I? Moms wear the multitasking badge with great pride, but it often times comes with a price.
I've learned that I can accomplish much while bottle feeding my 10 month old. While feeding him, I can get my daughter a snack, assist in the bathroom, help her wash hands, and take the dog out on the leash to the bathroom. But who is this really benefiting? In my effort to be efficient and multitask, I may be sending the wrong message to my 3 year old. How am I helping my 3 year old to learn patience or to think of others before herself when I give in to her demands just because I can balance it all? Am I reinforcing immediate gratification and feeding into the idea that the world revolves around her?
Multitasking also creates additional stress in the day. The demands placed on people (and parents) today are overwhelming, which creates the urgency to multitask in order to get as much off our plates as possible. Studies have shown the multitaskers actually exhibit higher levels of stress hormones. Higher levels of stress will inhibit creativity and enjoyment of people and things.
Another problem that multitasking presents is the way people can be viewed. Suddenly, feeding my 10 month old becomes a task to balance alongside 5 other tasks. I miss out on moments to bond with my child because I'm consumed with other things vying for my attention. If I sit down to do an art project with my daughter, while at the same time attempt to fold laundry, set up a dentist appointment, and chop vegetables for dinner, I'm missing out on "teachable and bonding moments" with her, all for the sake of getting a few more things crossed off my checklist. People should not be viewed as tasks, and in our efforts to accomplish so much in one day, they can often times find themselves under this heading.
The next time an opportunity to multitask arises (which will probably just be minutes away), think about who it will benefit. Ask yourself if it is necessary to do it. Some things do not need to be done alongside five others, and it is up to us to determine that.