Research shows hidden cost of multitasking — and how to restore order

Multitasking has become the default mode of modern life. We answer emails while making dinner, juggle work calls with school pickups, and mentally draft to-do lists while spending time with family. It often feels like there’s no other way to get everything done. But is this constant mental juggling actually serving us, or is it taking a hidden toll?

While multitasking may seem efficient, research suggests otherwise.

Our brains are wired to focus deeply on one task at a time. When we attempt to do multiple things at once, what we’re really doing is “task-switching” at high speed. Each switch comes with a cognitive cost — slower thinking, more mistakes, and greater exhaustion. Over time, this can lead to chronic stress and burnout.

Even beyond scientific studies, human experience tells us that fragmentation makes life harder. The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us that “the human person needs to set aside sufficient time for leisure” (CCC 2184). While this is said in the context of honoring the Sabbath, the principle applies more broadly: We are not meant to live in a constant state of hurry, pulled in too many directions.

Yet for many, slowing down feels impossible because the demands of daily life don’t simply go away.

The reality is that few people have the luxury of focusing on just one thing at a time. Parents must balance work and childcare. Employees are expected to handle multiple projects at once. Running a household means keeping track of finances, chores, schedules, and more. In a world where economic and social structures require us to juggle responsibilities, rejecting multitasking altogether isn’t practical.

Instead, the challenge is learning how to multitask wisely — finding ways to manage multiple responsibilities without losing our peace of mind. That’s where intentional order comes in.

If multitasking is unavoidable, how can we do it in a way that doesn’t drain us? Here are some strategies to maintain focus and sanity while balancing life’s many demands:

Prioritize and batch tasks – Not everything is urgent, and not everything deserves immediate attention. Each day, identify the most critical tasks and focus on them first. Group similar activities together — set aside dedicated time to check emails instead of responding in scattered moments throughout the day. This minimizes mental switching and improves efficiency.

Use technology as an ally – While digital distractions often contribute to overload, technology can also help streamline life. Calendar apps, automated bill payments, grocery delivery services, and smart home devices can reduce the mental burden of keeping track of everything manually.

Rather than seeing technology as an enemy, we can use it to free up space for what truly matters — family, faith, and meaningful human connections.

Set boundaries on work and rest – Chronic multitasking leads to burnout, but intentional rest prevents it. Even short breaks — stepping outside for fresh air, taking time for prayer, or pausing for deep breaths — can help reset the mind.

Pope Francis, in Laudato Si’, reminds us that “We were not meant to be inundated by constant new stimuli” and that a “healthy lifestyle includes moments of rest” (LS 237). Rest is not wasted time; it restores our ability to engage fully with life.

Practice presence – The real danger of multitasking is that it pulls us away from the present moment. Whether we’re working, spending time with loved ones, or praying, being fully engaged in one thing at a time strengthens relationships and deepens experiences. Children, in particular, thrive when they feel truly seen and heard—something impossible to offer if our minds are always elsewhere.

Multitasking may be a necessity, but chaos doesn’t have to be. By structuring our tasks, using technology to automate what we can, and building in rest, we can find a healthier way to navigate life’s demands.

True productivity isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing what matters with attention and care. When we create order, we don’t just get through the day; we make space for a life that is richer, more peaceful, and ultimately more human.