Multitasking is a part of life. As the weight of different responsibilities compound on us, we have no choice but to handle multiple tasks at one time. According Dr. Amit Sood, all brains can multitask, sort of. The human brain can only focus on one “conscious” experience at a time, but can simultaneously focus on multiple “automatic” tasks, like eating, walking, and driving. How our brains actually multitask is a whole other story.

“Let's face it. If you are one of us (Homo sapiens sapiens) and wish to live a full life, you'll have to multitask,” Dr. Sood explains. “But can you get better at it? Absolutely! Here are three insights about multitasking in the context of how your brain works, and three tips that might help you be more effective at multitasking, so you succeed not only at work, but also in relationships, including with yourself.”

Upon learning an action, our brains assign that action to subcortical networks which host repetitive actions and do not require conscious engagement to operate. This is easiest for repetitive and mechanical actions. Although multitasking is sometimes necessary, it can also take its toll on the brain. Focusing on multiple tasks that require conscious attention means the brain is moving back and forth between each task. Over time, switching back and forth leads to the depletion of energy and brain fatigue.