Member-only story
Neuroscience
Killing the Myth That Multi-Taskers Are Super Heroes
I’m so tired of it I want to set the record straight
Our brains can only handle two complex tasks at a time.
Even that’s not true.
We switch off the one to tackle the other. The constant to-and-fro impairs our cognitive skills and memory and heightens our stress levels.
Why should you believe me?
Since recovering from depression 20 years ago, I continue to study neuroscience and psychology and apply this knowledge in managing my mind.
I’ve written on these topics, offering tools and information to help others improve their brain and mental health.
Unless I have concrete, well-researched evidence to back it up, I never present an opinion as fact.
Imagine my disbelief when I read an article on how to study better, using neuroscience as grounds for the advice.
I’m sure the writer’s intentions were sincere, but they drew on research conducted over fifty years ago — in 1967.
Skepticism encouraged me to read on because neuroscience has come a long way since the 60's.
