Multitasking refers to the practice of doing more than one task or activity simultaneously, often switching between them rapidly. Monotasking, on the other hand, involves focusing on one task or activity at a time and giving it your full attention until it's complete.
There is a common misconception that multitasking is more efficient than monotasking, but research has shown that the opposite is true. When we attempt to multitask, we actually end up losing time and making more mistakes because our brains have to constantly switch gears and refocus on different tasks. This is known as "task-switching" or "context-switching" and it can cause a significant loss of productivity.
In contrast, when we focus on one task at a time, we are able to give it our full attention and complete it more quickly and accurately. This is because our brains are able to enter a state of flow, where we become fully immersed in the task and our productivity and creativity are at their peak.
Overall, while multitasking may seem like a time-saver, it often leads to decreased productivity and increased stress levels. Monotasking, on the other hand, allows us to work more efficiently and effectively while reducing our overall workload and stress levels.