Imagine you are cooking for your family and at that same time, answering your emails, reading an informative blog post, watching your favorite show on television, and helping your kids out on their studies. You are doing everything at the same time. Wouldn’t it have been great if it wasn’t your imagination and was a reality? Well, for some people, multitasking is a reality because they are good at it. Multitasking is something that will help you to complete more tasks in a day as you will be doing everything one at a time.
So, how about trying multitasking from today? Are you finding it hard? Well, it is not easy to do multiple tasks at one time that’s for sure. But for some people, it’s just like a cakewalk. They do it quite easily. For them, multitasking is a game that they usually play with their tasks. You will see people finishing tasks rapidly and when you ask them how you can do your tasks within such a short period of time? They will just shrug off by saying they are multitasking. But are they really multitasking or doing something else which they are taking it as multitasking?
Well, there are many questions on people’s mind about multitasking and having more spare time in the day to do things that they would love to do. People try to become better at multitasking, and some succeed and some not. Also, many people try to use nootropics to increase their ability to multitask. So, is it really possible to become good at multitasking by using nootropics?
Supplementing with nootropics is a great way to help you increase your productivity by supporting your memory and organizing your thoughts. It’ll also help you pay attention to the fine details and manage stress that you may encounter while multitasking.
Can You Really Multitask?
You have many questions and preconceived notions that you would also want to clear up. Like many other people, you might also be thinking is it really possible to execute multiple tasks at one time?
Well, if you are watching the person doing the task from the outside, then you might think that yes, it is possible.
But, if you look at it technically and try to find out how a human brain works, then you will realize that multitasking is not possible. This might come to you ask a shocker, but you have to realize that when you are multitasking, what you are actually doing is shifting your focus from one task to another.
The Workings of the Brain
The executive control of your brain happens from the cerebral cortex. This part of your brain helps you to execute all your tasks. Now, the question is how this part goes about the job of executing each task. For that, it follows two stages.
Stage 1: Goal Shifting
Goal shifting is something that you will do when you are working on multiple tasks at one time. Even if you don’t do multitasking, you will be going through this stage time and time again throughout the day. What you are doing basically is switching off your focus from one task and giving your attention to another. So, when you are multitasking, you are basically, switching off your focus from task to task.
Stage 2: Rule Activation
This is a very important stage in your multitasking or while executing various tasks rapidly. When you are doing a particular task, your brain is already focused on it. Also, your brain has created patterns for which you don’t have to pay too much attention while doing the task. It’s like you are in autopilot mode. Basically, when you switch your focus from one task to another, your brain just unplugs the patterns or the rules of the previous task and activates the rules of the present task. That is how you can execute the tasks so easily.
Mini-summary of Multitasking
So, in a nutshell, when you think you are multitasking, you are actually not multitasking, you are actually switching your attention and focus from one task to the other. Because these focus switches happen faster than you can even blink, you feel like you are multitasking. But, in reality, you are just performing one task after the other at a very rapid rate because you can shift your focus within a snap of your finger.
You could think of it as managing multiple tasks in a particular order similar to an internal Gantt chart and essentially micromanaging your tasks making it look like you are multitasking
Can Everyone Multitask?
Well, as you already know the answer, it is better not to go deep into it. You already know that multitasking is not possible. But you see many people doing multiple things at one time. So, as you see them work so efficiently, you will also feel the urge of working like the way they work. Now, you need to ask yourself how you can improve your skill to perform multiple tasks at one time.
First thing you should know that to multitask, you need to have your brain functioning at its optimum level, especially, your executive brain because you need it at its superior best. If your executive brain fails to keep up with the pace at which you want to execute the task, everything can go in disarray quite quickly. So, what you can do is take care of your brain.
Your brain is probably the most important element in your body. Therefore, doing yoga poses, or taking nootropics, or eating healthy food can help you a lot in improving your brain health.
People you see multitasking can do it because of the way they maintain their brain health to its optimum level. If you can do that, then you will go one step closer towards doing multiple tasks at one time with finesse.
What are the Benefits of Multitasking?
Multitasking does have many benefits. So, if you are looking to multitask, then here some of the following benefits that you can expect to have easily;
Save Your Time
When you multitask, you basically perform multiple tasks simultaneously. This means you will be saving your time. If you spend your time doing all those works individually, then it will take more time than what it would take if you finish at one time. So, with multitasking, you will be having more time in your hand which you can spend in whichever way you like.
Save Your Money
When you perform the work of multiple people at one time, you ought to save your money from that. So, to perform those tasks, you had to hire people before. But, as you are multitasking now, you will not need them. Therefore, it is one way of saving money. Also, there are many other ways you will be saving your money once you start multitasking.
Better Productivity
As you complete multiple tasks at one time, you will be completing so many tasks daily. So, quite naturally your productivity will increase as you will be performing more tasks. For example, if you did 5 things in a day previously, after switching to multitasking mode, you will be able to 10 tasks in a day. Therefore, you can easily see a growth in productivity.
Stops Procrastination
By multitasking, you will be motivated to do more and achieve more. Therefore, you will be pushing yourself mentally as well as physically to reach your goals. A similar thing can happen if you make a to-do list for your daily tasks. It will motivate you to finish them as soon as possible. So, this motivation for finishing the tasks will stop you from procrastinating and you will able to finish more tasks within a day than ever.
How is Memory and Multitasking Linked?
Whether you believe it or not, there is a definite connection between multitasking and memory. When you switch between the tasks rapidly, the reason you can do that is because of your memory.
As you switch from one task to another, if your brain fails to recognize how the work actually happens, then you will not be able to perform the tasks efficiently. That is why you will see people who are ageing face difficulty in executing their tasks. It happens because they tend to lose their memory. So, multitasking and memory are definitely linked.
Multitasking Can Be Stressful
Multitasking can increase the production of cortisol or stress hormone in your brain. That is why people who multitask tend to feel stressed. Also, stress prevents you from multitasking efficiently.
That is why you need to manage your cortisol level efficiently. Unless you do that, you won’t be able to multitask as efficiently as you would like. If you fail to manage your stress, you should reduce the number of tasks you are doing at a time as it will improve your productivity quite a notch.
Is It Really Multitasking or Increased Productivity?
When you are multitasking, you will not be able to focus on a particular task for very long. So, if you want to achieve excellence in something, then you cannot achieve that by including the task in your multitasking program. You have to give all your attention to a particular work to achieve finesse. So, it all boils down to what you want to achieve. If your goal is to finish your tasks as soon as possible, then multitasking is something you should do. But, to achieve finesse and excellence, you cannot rely too much on multitasking for sure.
Which Nootropics are Recommended for Multitasking?
Being able to perform multiple tasks at one time is truly a blessing. You can have so much time left in your day to pursue something that you genuinely like or feel passionate about. You can give more time to your family or learn a new skill that will make you better as a professional. Here are some nootropics that can help you to become better at multitasking;
L-Tyrosine
If you are looking for a nootropic that will help you with multitasking significantly, then L-Tyrosine is something that you can definitely try. You will be able to sustain your working memory which is very important for multitasking. Because of that, you will be switching between tasks more efficiently. So, you can consider L-Tyrosine as a nootropic that will increase your productivity when you multitask.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is one such nootropic that can help you to have better attention. Also, your mind will be relaxed. Therefore, you will be able to multitask in a better way. You can find L-Theanine while consuming green tea. Also, while multitasking, you can sometimes get stressed up. This nootropic can help you to get relieved from that stress. One of the best things about L-Theanine is it is a natural product. So, you can definitely use it to become better at multitasking.
Rhodiola Rosea
If you are facing stress regularly, then it is a hindrance to your multitasking ability. When you are stressed up, your brain will not be able to function at its optimum level. So, you will not be able to perform at your best. Rhodiola Rosea is one such nootropic that can help you to find relief from the stress. For the best results, you should take Rhodiola Rosea with Bacopa Monnieri as a combination.
Bacopa Monnieri
While multitasking, you would want to be alert all the time. You need to be at your cognitive best if you want to become better at multitasking. Bacopa Monnieri is a natural nootropic that is made from hyssop. It is an Ayurvedic herb that will help you to stay alert all the time. If you use it with Rhodiola Rosea, then you will have better results for sure. You will be in a better frame of mind to execute multiple tasks at one time. That is why Bacopa Monnieri is one nootropic that you need to consider if you are looking to take nootropic to boost your ability to multitask.
Piracetam
Piracetam is a synthetic nootropic supplement that certainly has some excellent benefits for those who want to become better at multitasking. One of the biggest advantages of using Piracetam is that it will help you to boost your memory power significantly. It can make your brain function in a much better way.
Also, Piracetam has the knack of increasing blood supply to your brain which is an incredible thing if you want your brain to function better. Yes, Piracetam will take time to show its effects. But you can rest assured you will see positive results after taking Piracetam, especially, if you are using it for multitasking.
Noopept
Noopept is a popular nootropic that you can use for fast results. It is a synthetic nootropic that can boost your cognitive ability quite a notch. Apart from that, it can also help you to boost your memory power. You will be able to focus on various tasks more vividly after taking Noopept.
Furthermore, it can relieve you from your stress and anxiety. So, as you can see, these are some of the things that you would want to have if you are looking to better your ability to multitask. Therefore, you can expect better results if you take Noopept.
Other Ways to Improve Your Multitasking Skills
Apart from taking nootropics, there are other ways in which you can make sure that you are improving your multitasking skills. Basically, it is all about tweaking your daily habits to make your brain work in a better way. Here are some of the ways in which you can improve your multitasking skills.
Eating Healthy
What you eat plays a very big role in how you perform daily. You want your body to become a machine that will execute multiple tasks at one time easily. For that, you need to give your machine the right fuel and, in this case, the food. You need to create good eating habits. Start including healthy foods like green vegetables and fruits in your diet plan to have proper brain functioning.
Getting fit
You cannot multitask well if you are not fit. So, you have to make sure that you are fit enough to execute all the tasks perfectly. If you are overweight or lead a passive lifestyle, then multitasking can become a problem for you. So, you should start exercising regularly and change your lifestyle. It will help you a long way in becoming better at multitasking.
Adequate sleep
Sleeping adequately makes your brain rejuvenated and fresh for the next day’s challenges. If you don’t get proper sleep, then your brain will not function properly. So, you will not be able to perform multiple tasks as efficiently as you would like to do. That is why sleeping properly is something that you should definitely do. Complete at least 4 to 5 sleep cycles (each cycle is of 90 minutes) to have proper sleep.
Reducing stress
Stress is another thing that will prevent you from multitasking. While multitasking, if you get stressed up, then everything can go haywire. Because of that, make sure you are not stressed up while multitasking. You can do yoga or meditation to keep yourself out of stress and anxiety. It will elevate the capability of the brain’s functioning.
The Bottom Line
In this day and age, 24 hours a day seems to be less time for people who want to get their tasks done. So, they are looking to multitask so that they can have more time to spend on the things they love to do. Multitasking can make you efficient and more productive in terms of numbers as you are finishing more tasks in a day than before. But, to achieve excellence, you have to perform one task at a time. That is why figure out which tasks you can multitask and which tasks you cannot. Also, you can take the help of nootropics to become better at multitasking. But, before taking any nootropic, you should consult with your physician at least once. He or she will be able to guide you better.
Reference Links
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711304001461
https://study.com/academy/lesson/multitasking-definition-benefits-examples.html
https://www.thoughtco.com/can-people-really-multitask-1206398