Single-tasking changed my life. That might sound dramatic, but it’s the honest truth. For years, I thought multitasking was the secret to success, the golden key to doing more and being more. I believed if I could juggle everything at once- emails, meetings, text messages, laundry, dinner, social media- I’d somehow prove myself capable, efficient, and worthy.
But instead of feeling accomplished, I felt exhausted. My mind was cluttered. My body was drained. My relationships were shallow. And joy- the simple kind that comes from being present, was missing.
When I finally embraced single-tasking, everything shifted. I found more peace in my days, more creativity in my work, and more connection in my relationships. And in this post, I’m sharing the full journey: how I quit multitasking, what single-tasking really means, the struggles I faced, and how everyday joy came back into my life.
Table of Contents
Why I Thought Multitasking Was the Answer
I used to wear my multitasking like a badge of honor.
- Answering emails during lunch? Check.
- Folding laundry while on a conference call? Check.
- Responding to texts while half-listening to a friend? Sadly, check.
I told myself I was maximizing my time. That I was squeezing every last ounce of productivity out of my day. I thought people would admire me for being “so efficient.”
But here’s the thing: multitasking is a lie.
Yes, I was busy. Yes, I was doing a hundred things at once. But was I really doing any of them well? Not really.
My meals were wolfed down without taste. My conversations were shallow because my attention was split. My work took longer because I kept switching tabs, jumping between tasks, and losing my train of thought. It felt productive, but in reality, it was draining.
And I’m not alone. Research shows that multitasking actually reduces efficiency and increases mistakes. Our brains aren’t wired to focus on multiple demanding tasks at once. We think we’re doing more, but we’re really doing less- just with more stress. Still, for years, I clung to multitasking because I thought it was what successful people did.
The Hidden Costs of Multitasking That I Didn’t See Until I Quit
When I first let go of multitasking, I thought I was just trying out a new productivity trick. What I didn’t realize was how much multitasking had been quietly draining me in ways I never noticed until they were gone.
1. Constant Mental Fatigue
I used to wonder why I always felt exhausted, even on days when I hadn’t done anything physically demanding. Once I stopped multitasking, I realized the fatigue came from constantly shifting gears. Every time I switched from an email to a text to a project, my brain had to reorient itself. That mental “tab-switching” was burning energy I didn’t even know I was spending.
2. Superficial Work and Shallow Focus
Multitasking gave me the illusion of productivity, but in reality, most of my work was surface-level. I’d get things done, yes, but rarely did I dive deep enough to create my best work. Now, when I single-task, I enter a state of flow more often, and my projects have more depth and quality.
3. Fractured Relationships
This one stings the most. How many times did I half-listen to a loved one while scrolling my phone? Or nod along during a conversation while my brain was somewhere else? Looking back, I see how multitasking chipped away at connection. Single-tasking in relationships, giving someone my full presence, has been the most healing shift of all.
4. Missed Joy in Everyday Moments
I didn’t realize how much beauty I was missing until I started slowing down. Sunsets blurred past as I answered texts. Meals were inhaled without noticing taste. Even something as simple as petting my dog became richer once I actually focused on the softness of her fur and the way her tail wagged.
5. Increased Stress and Anxiety
Multitasking made my brain feel like an endless open browser, so many tabs, so little bandwidth. That constant “open loop” feeling raised my stress levels without me realizing it. With single-tasking, I close one loop at a time, and my anxiety levels have dropped dramatically.
The Breaking Point
The turning point came during what I now call “the spaghetti incident.”
It was a Tuesday night. I was stirring a pot of spaghetti sauce, trying to cook dinner while also responding to work emails on my phone. My laptop was open on the counter, Zoom notifications popping up, and I had a text thread buzzing with friends making weekend plans.
In the chaos, I didn’t notice the sauce bubbling over until it scorched the bottom of the pot. I remember frantically scraping it while trying to type a coherent email response, feeling my blood pressure skyrocket. My family came into the kitchen, asking questions, and I snapped, harder than I ever should have, because my brain was simply overloaded.
That night, sitting at the table with burnt spaghetti, I realized: this isn’t working.
Multitasking wasn’t just stressing me out. It was stealing joy from the most basic moments of my life, cooking, eating, laughing, connecting. I was never fully anywhere. I was always half-present. And that wasn’t the kind of life I wanted.
What Single-Tasking Really Means
Single-tasking is simple, but it’s powerful. At its core, single-tasking means doing one thing at a time with your full attention. That’s it.
It’s:
- Writing without checking your phone.
- Eating without scrolling.
- Talking with someone without mentally rehearsing your to-do list.
It’s not laziness. It’s not about slowing down to a crawl or ignoring responsibilities. Single-tasking doesn’t mean doing less, it means doing what matters with more presence and intention. And here’s the mindset shift I had to make: productivity isn’t just about quantity. It’s about quality. When I single-task, I actually finish things faster and better. More importantly, I enjoy the process instead of rushing through it.
Unexpected Benefits of Single-Tasking I Never Anticipated
When I first committed to single-tasking, I expected less stress and maybe a little more productivity. But what surprised me were the unexpected gifts that showed up along the way, the small, almost hidden benefits I hadn’t even thought about.
1. More Creativity in Daily Life
When I gave my brain space to focus on one thing at a time, ideas began flowing in ways they hadn’t before. I’d be writing, and suddenly a new blog post idea would spark. Or while cooking without distractions, I’d come up with a creative twist on a recipe. That kind of mental breathing room is priceless.
2. A Greater Sense of Accomplishment
Before, I’d end each day with 15 half-finished tasks. Now, I finish fewer things…but I actually finish them. Crossing something off my list completely gives me such a strong sense of closure and satisfaction. That feeling builds momentum and confidence.
3. Deeper Gratitude for the Ordinary
When you’re fully present with small tasks, washing dishes, making coffee, folding laundry, they shift from being chores to moments of mindfulness. I began noticing the warmth of a mug in my hands, the sound of running water, even the comfort in routine. These little sparks of gratitude were things I used to rush past.
4. Better Sleep
This one shocked me. Multitasking left my brain buzzing at night with open loops. Once I started single-tasking, my mind felt calmer by bedtime. I wasn’t rehearsing tomorrow’s tasks as much, and falling asleep became easier.
5. More Confidence in Myself
At first, I thought single-tasking would make me look slower or less productive. But over time, I realized it gave me confidence. I trusted myself more because I wasn’t constantly scattered, I knew I could focus, complete things, and show up fully. That shift spilled over into all areas of my life.
How I Learned to Practice Single-Tasking
Quitting multitasking didn’t happen overnight. Honestly, it felt awkward at first, like trying to write with my non-dominant hand. But little by little, I built the habit. Here’s how:
1. Creating Focused Work Blocks
I started with my work. Instead of bouncing between emails, Slack messages, and projects, I carved out time blocks. For one hour, I’d focus only on writing. For thirty minutes, I’d only answer emails.
At first, I had to fight the urge to peek at other tasks. But the more I stuck with it, the more natural it felt. My productivity actually skyrocketed, because I wasn’t wasting energy switching gears every two minutes.
2. Turning Off Notifications
Dings, buzzes, pop-ups, they’re all attention thieves. I turned off most of my notifications and gave myself permission to check messages at set times instead of constantly.
This was hard. I felt like I might miss something urgent. But the truth is, most things aren’t emergencies. And the peace I gained was worth it.
3. Setting Daily Priorities
Every morning, I asked myself: What three things actually matter most today?
Instead of juggling 15 half-done tasks, I put my energy into three meaningful ones. That simple shift made my days feel more purposeful and less chaotic.
4. Rituals for Presence
Before starting a task, I’d pause for a deep breath. Just one. Sometimes I’d put my phone in another room. Other times I’d set a timer to keep myself honest.
These little rituals signaled to my brain: This is what we’re focusing on now.
5. Giving Myself Permission to Slow Down
This was the hardest part. I had to let go of the identity of being “the person who gets everything done.” I started telling myself: it’s okay to move slower, as long as I’m moving with intention.
And when I slipped back into old multitasking habits (because yes, I still do sometimes), I didn’t beat myself up. I just noticed it and tried again.
The Everyday Joy I Found in Single-Tasking
Here’s where the magic happened.
Once I embraced single-tasking, my days didn’t just feel calmer, they felt fuller. I started noticing small joys again.
- Meals tasted better. When I sat down to actually eat without scrolling or working, I could enjoy flavors, textures, even gratitude for the food itself.
- Conversations deepened. When I looked someone in the eye and truly listened, without checking my phone, I felt more connected. Friends noticed, too.
- Work became creative. Instead of fragmented thinking, I entered flow states where ideas just poured out. Writing, planning, problem-solving, it all improved.
- Stress melted. I wasn’t carrying ten open mental tabs everywhere I went. I could finish one thing, feel accomplished, and move on.
- Time expanded. Weirdly enough, the days felt longer. Not because I did less, but because I was present enough to actually experience them.
That everyday joy, the quiet kind that sneaks in when you’re present, came back.
Why Single-Tasking is a Game-Changer for Modern Life
We live in a world designed to pull our attention in a million directions. Our phones, our workplaces, even our social lives reward busyness and distraction.
That’s why single-tasking isn’t just a productivity hack. It’s an act of rebellion.
- It protects your mental health.
- It strengthens relationships.
- It makes work more meaningful.
- It reconnects you with the present moment.
When I embraced single-tasking, I realized I didn’t want to just “get through” my life, I wanted to live it. And being present is the only way to actually do that.
Tips to Try Single-Tasking in Your Own Life
If you’re curious about trying single-tasking, here are some easy ways to start:
- Pick one daily activity to single-task. Maybe it’s eating lunch without screens. Or taking a walk without earbuds. Start small.
- Follow the “one tab” rule. Only keep one browser tab open while working on a task. It keeps your focus tight.
- Write down your top three priorities each morning. Not ten. Not twenty. Just three.
- Use timers. Set 25 minutes to work on one thing (Pomodoro style). No switching allowed.
- Create tech boundaries. Put your phone in another room during meals or conversations.
- Practice self-compassion. You will slip up. That’s normal. Just return to focus when you notice it.
The key is progress, not perfection. Every time you choose single-tasking, you strengthen the muscle of presence.
One Task at a Time
Looking back, I can’t believe how much of my life I spent multitasking, thinking I was living fully while really living halfway.
Single-tasking has been life-changing for me. It brought me more peace, more creativity, and more everyday joy. It taught me that doing one thing well is better than doing ten things poorly. And most importantly, it reminded me that presence is the real gift.
If you’re tired of feeling scattered and stretched thin, I encourage you to try single-tasking. Pick one moment today to be fully present. Notice how it feels. Let yourself slow down. Because sometimes, doing less isn’t lazy, it’s the most powerful way to experience more.
With love,
Bri & Cat
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