Multitasking

The definition of multitasking is doing two or more things simultaneously. Some research indicates that multitasking reduces productivity; when attention is split between two or more tasks, quality may decline and there may be more errors. But I have found that there are some types of multitasking that can enhance pleasures and improve productivity.

I often enjoy engaging in serial multitasking, which is rapid shifting between tasks. I do this when I watch a Mets game on TV at the same time I am doing the NYTimes crossword puzzle. I can go back and forth between these two activities. I concentrate on the puzzle during commercial breaks, and I focus on the game when one of my favorite hitters is at bat. And even if I should happen to miss the moment of a great hit, these events are on instant replay, so I don’t miss anything. Since I enjoy both activities, doing them together increases my enjoyment of them both.

Making dinner often involves serial multitasking, to ensure that all the components of the meal are ready at the same time. This requires some pre-planning about the timing of each item, but once all the dishes are ready to be served, I have a feeling of satisfaction. I am especially pleased when the tastes of the various dishes enhance each other. Given that making several dishes increases the time needed for clean-up efforts, I am also pleased when someone offers to multitask those efforts with me.

But the most frequent type of multitasking I engage in is when I add a task to do on the way to doing something else. These tasks are often unrelated, but combining them can be productive and increase efficiency.

For example, when I have a garbage bag to throw out, I leave it on a table by my door. As I leave my apartment for any reason, e.g., to meet a friend or go shopping, I pick up the bag on the way out, and bring it to the garbage room on my floor to throw down the chute. This saves an additional walk to the garbage room, as going to the elevator is in the same direction. And when I leave my home, in addition to picking up the garbage, I have a section of the table where I put any letters or bills that must be mailed, so I take them too.

Sometimes I have to be very deliberate in thinking about what I have in my hands when I leave the house with multiple tasks in mind. I realized this when I found myself outside of my apartment building with a garbage bag, having forgotten to toss it down the chute when I left my apartment. I also need to make sure to carry the garbage bag and an outgoing letter in different hands- I don’t want to make a mistake in where I deposit each of them!

More recently, I have found other ways to “bundle” certain activities, accomplishing some errands on the way to doing others. For example, when I need to go to the supermarket, I often stop at the drug store and the bank, since I must pass these on the way to the market. Before leaving, I review what I need from these places, as well as other errands I need to do, so I can accomplish multiple tasks on the same trip. When I return home, I feel a sense of satisfaction, that I have been productive and made good use of my time. This can create more available time for doing other things, although when I put too many tasks together, I may need a nap once I get back home. I’m OK with monotasking for that.