Why I Stopped Multitasking for My Mental Health

For years, multitasking was my superpower. Juggling work emails while eating lunch, texting while walking, catching up on podcasts while folding laundry — I was the queen of doing it all, all at once. It felt productive, efficient, and even impressive. But behind the façade of high-speed multitasking, something unsettling was happening: my mental health was deteriorating.

What I thought was a productivity hack was, in reality, a mental drain. The constant toggling between tasks left me feeling scattered, stressed, and perpetually behind. My mind was always racing, my attention fragmented, and my ability to focus waned. Eventually, I hit a wall and realized something had to change. That’s when I decided to stop multitasking.

The Myth of Multitasking
Multitasking is often hailed as a sign of competence and efficiency, but the truth is, our brains are not wired to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. What we call “multitasking” is actually task-switching — rapidly moving from one task to another while losing focus and mental energy in the process.

Every time we switch tasks, the brain has to reorient itself, reestablish context, and refocus attention. This process, known as “context switching,” consumes cognitive resources and increases mental fatigue.

Studies have shown that multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40%. It also lowers the quality of work, increases error rates, and impairs memory retention. In other words, multitasking doesn’t just waste time — it wastes mental energy, leaving us more stressed and less effective.

The Emotional Toll of Multitasking
For me, the real cost of multitasking wasn’t just decreased productivity; it was the emotional toll it took on my mental health.

Increased Anxiety: The constant shifting between tasks kept my mind in a state of perpetual motion. My to-do list felt never-ending, and each unfinished task lingered like background noise, creating a persistent sense of anxiety.

Mental Exhaustion: Switching between tasks demands significant cognitive effort. By the end of the day, my brain felt like a tangled ball of thoughts, unable to unwind or relax.

Feelings of Inadequacy: Despite being busy all day, I often felt like I hadn’t accomplished anything meaningful. The illusion of productivity masked a deeper sense of unfulfillment and self-doubt.

Fragmented Attention: Multitasking made it nearly impossible to be present in the moment. Conversations felt superficial, work felt rushed, and even moments of rest were clouded by mental clutter.

The Decision to Stop Multitasking
The breaking point came when I realized how fragmented my days had become. I was constantly moving from task to task, but never fully present in any of them. My brain felt scattered, my stress levels were rising, and my relationships were suffering.

I decided to make a radical shift: to focus on one thing at a time. It was uncomfortable at first. I felt restless, tempted to check emails during meetings or scroll through social media while eating. But over time, the benefits became undeniable.

What I Gained by Letting Go of Multitasking
Increased Clarity and Focus: By dedicating my attention to one task at a time, I could dive deeper into my work, resulting in higher-quality output. I felt more focused, more engaged, and more in control of my thoughts.

Reduced Anxiety: With fewer mental tabs open, my mind felt calmer and less cluttered. The persistent feeling of urgency dissipated, and I could approach each task with greater intention.

More Meaningful Connections: When I stopped multitasking, I became more present in conversations. Instead of half-listening while scrolling through emails, I could fully engage, resulting in deeper, more authentic connections.

Improved Memory and Retention: By focusing on one task at a time, I retained information more effectively. I no longer had to revisit tasks multiple times because I was fully present the first time.

How I Stay Present Without Multitasking
Letting go of multitasking was a process, and I had to develop strategies to stay present and focused. Here are some practices that helped:

Time Blocking: I divided my day into dedicated time blocks for specific tasks. During these blocks, I focused solely on one activity — no distractions, no interruptions.

Mindful Pauses: Before transitioning to a new task, I took a few deep breaths to reset my mind. This simple practice helped me release the previous task and fully engage with the next one.

Digital Detox: I silenced notifications and kept my phone out of sight during work sessions. Eliminating digital distractions made it easier to stay present.

Single-Tasking: Instead of spreading my attention across multiple tasks, I chose one priority to complete before moving on to the next. This approach allowed me to give my full attention to each task without feeling rushed.

Daily Reflection: At the end of each day, I took a few minutes to reflect on what I accomplished. This practice helped me recognize progress, celebrate small wins, and let go of any lingering stress.

Redefining Productivity as Presence
For a long time, I equated productivity with how much I could get done in a day. But now, I define productivity differently — not by how many tasks I complete, but by how present and engaged I am in each task.

Single-tasking doesn’t mean doing less; it means doing things more intentionally. It means being fully present in conversations, savoring each moment without distraction, and honoring the task at hand as the only thing that matters in that moment.

By letting go of multitasking, I’ve gained clarity, focus, and a deeper sense of calm. I’m no longer racing against time or juggling too many things at once. Instead, I’m moving through my days with purpose and presence — one task, one moment at a time.