Multitasking makes you stupid!

Did you know that on average it takes our brain about 15 minutes to return to focused work after "just" having answered an email?

If you answer one mail you probably do a couple more, which quickly results in additional mails in your inbox… Multitasking might seem effective but in reality it’s the opposite. By doing more things at the same time your productivity, creativity and the ability to make wise decisions are lowered. Researchers at the University of London conducted a study of 1100 employees in a British company and found that multitasking with electronic media (emailing and speaking at the same time) caused greater impact on IQ than smoking marijuana or losing a night's sleep!

By structuring your day and minimizing distractions, you can get more of the "real job" done. Here are a few tips I usually given coaching sessions:

- Finish your workday by structuring your tomorrow. Prioritize by important and urgent (and always add 50 % to your estimated time)

- Read mail at specific times. If you start the day by reading mails, there is a risk that you get stuck in just managing mails. Start with your most prioritized tasks!

- Get away from the office when you need to concentrate

- Book “working slots” in the calendar

- Move! Take a walk at lunch. Fresh air does wonders for the energy and creativity

- During periods of increased demands, it will be particularly important to focus on your recovery. Make sure you go for a walk, a workout or have dinner with friends – things that gives you energy!

The technology and the 24/7 society are here to stay, but we can find strategies so that the negative consequences do not exceed the positive ones. We need to decide for ourselves when we should be available to others. Only then we will regain control of our agenda.