Monotasking: One thing at a time is better than all at once

Monotasking or singletasking helps you to work more concentrated and relaxed. We will introduce you to the advantages of the concept and give you tips on how you can implement monotasking in your everyday life.

Monotasking seems to be little accepted in our performance-oriented society. Tasks and obligations at work, at university and at home should be completed as quickly as possible. People who do several things at once appear to be particularly competent and determined.

However, according to current research, it is not possible for humans to perform several tasks at the same time – at least not if they require a high level of concentration and a good result is to be achieved.

Monotasking: Why it is better

When you monotask, also known as singletasking, you devote your attention to one thing. So instead of doing several tasks at once – such as making phone calls, answering emails and planning the next project – you do them one after the other. Monotasking is, in a way, the opposite of multitasking.

The method offers the following advantages:

• Greater performance: If you focus on just one task, you will be able to tackle it with greater concentration. Without distractions like smartphones, we are also more productive and efficient. This means that we not only get more done in a shorter time, but we also make fewer mistakes.

• Less time pressure: If you concentrate on a task without getting distracted, you avoid time pressure. Ultimately, you can master a challenge in less time and with significantly fewer mistakes if you don’t distract yourself with other tasks. This means you can finish your obligations more quickly and use the time you save for other things.

• More serenity: If you devote yourself to just one task and switch off all distractions, you will feel calmer and more relaxed. This way you can prevent overload and reduce stress.

Multitasking: What does science say?

Scientific findings now also suggest that multitasking is not an optimal approach: According to a study from 2019, people are not able to complete several tasks simultaneously and at a consistently good level. Instead, this approach leads to those affected working with less concentration and relatively low performance.

According to the Pharmaceutical Journal, multitasking increases time pressure and stress. This can lead to health problems in the long term, as a study by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (baua) suggests.

Implementing monotasking in everyday life: How it works

Putting monotasking into practice can require a lot of discipline, especially at the beginning. We have put together the most important tips on the subject of singletasking:

• Set priorities: For monotasking to work, you should set clear priorities. To do this, write yourself a daily to-do list in which you only include the most important tasks for the day. Too many goals for a short period of time can quickly overwhelm you. To prevent this, it is important to say “no” to new tasks sometimes. Also inform your colleagues or family members that you are only working on one task and are not available for others.

• Avoid distractions: Our smartphones and social media channels dominate our everyday lives to a large extent. We often spend far too much time on them and are easily distracted by them. To avoid this, it is worth turning off your private cell phone during work hours or activating flight mode. Instead, create conscious periods of time in which you turn to social media.

• Structured planning: With good time management, you can avoid unnecessary overtime and avoid missing deadlines. It’s best to create a weekly plan in advance to keep track of everything. Don’t forget to plan fixed times for breaks. During these breaks, you can go for a walk, do relaxation exercises or make yourself a coffee, for example.

Read more on Techzle\.com:

• Stress management: These methods and exercises will help you
• Pressure to perform: How to deal with it properly
• Getting rid of negative thoughts: How to deal with them

English version available: 6 Steps to Start Monotasking (and Why You Should!)

Revised by Philipp Multhaupt

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