[Mark in Idaho]

Here is an article about the research into multitasking and its effect on the brain. Multitasking is damaging to the brain.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/travisbr...udies-suggest/

[Bruins88]

Hmmm interesting. I wonder if still trying to multi task with an issue in this area already since my brain injury is making things that much more worse.

[thedude58]

"...allowing yourself to multitask will fuel any existing difficulties you have with concentration, organization, and attention to detail."

Man! Am I in the wrong industry, or what? Fortunately, I gave up on multitasking a few years ago. It makes my head hurt!

[willgardner]

I have realized that multi-tasking is part of an everyday life as I am having difficulty with it. For instance, people drive and listen to the radio; people talk while doing something else. Isn't multi-tasking simply being able to switch between tasks efficiently anyways, as focusing on two things simultaneously are impossible? I think some level of multi-tasking on the brain, whether we are aware or not, is inevitable.

[Mark in Idaho]

Some multi-tasking is passive such as driving with the radio playing. Your brain does not NEED to be attentive to the radio. As we compare different multi-tasking tasks, there are some where both or even more than two tasks need to be front and center. A part of multi-tasking is the need to carry information between tasks such as memorized numbers needed in both tasks. This is stressful. Or, a need to hold information from one task while doing another task knowing the information is needed when returning to the first task

Court reporters can be called multi-taskers but the best court reporters talk about how they get into an automatic mode from their ears to their fingers, bypassing cognitive thought.

Air traffic controllers are a well know example of multi-tasking and the damage it causes. They have multiple aircraft they are following at the same time. It takes a serious toll on their health.

[Bruins88]

Just as an example, I cannot do anything while feeding my daughter. No tv no talking. Nada. Weird, never had issues before my injury with my niece.

[EsthersDoll]

Thanks for this reference. I printed it out so I can show it to people where I work who are constantly interrupting me and expecting me to multi-task (ie: I'm literally on the phone and they can see that and start asking me questions...) multi-tasking is prevalent and almost expected in my field.

[Mark in Idaho]

EsthersDoll,

Maybe you need a sign such as, If I am on the phone when you ask me a question, I will not guarantee the accuracy of my answers. Please return when I can give you my full attention.

At least you can try.....

[EsthersDoll]

Hi Mark,

I've actually been thinking of creating a sign that says something like "I can see you, please wait for me to finish what I am doing and I will address you when I can give you my attention" or some such... Because some people interrupt me when I am clearly reading or writing too...