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/

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.

"...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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.....

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...