How Context Switching Sabotages Your Productivity

Every time you switch between apps and tasks, you leave a little bit of your attention behind. Here's what you can do about it...

What is context switching?

When we context switch, our attention becomes fragmented between all of our tasks, programs, and screens.

Why do we context switch?

Our digital tools are designed to interrupt

We're swimming drowning in information

Work culture rewards responsiveness

Our brains crave novelty

The "tax" we pay for each context switch

Kills productivity

Impedes cognitive function

Diminishes attention

Depletes energy

Confuses priorities

Strategies to prevent context switching

Capture tasks somewhere that’s not your head

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Dig deeper: Getting Things Done: Your Step-By-Step Guide, 11 Fast Ways to Get Tasks Out of Your Head and Into Your Todoist

Prevent context switching by having a place to add and organize your tasks that’s not your head, like <a href="https://www.todoist.com/">Todoist</a>.

Have a go-to framework for prioritizing tasks

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Dig deeper: How to Prioritize When There’s Always More to Do, Commitment Inventory, Eisenhower (Urgency/Importance) Matrix, OKRs: A Guide to Data-Driven Goal-setting for Individuals and Teams

Batch your tasks and block your time

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Avoid getting pulled in different directions by <a href="https://www.todoist.com/productivity-methods/time-blocking">blocking your time</a>.

Take regular, screen-free breaks

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Dig deeper: The Importance of Taking Breaks, What to Do When Your Brain Is Too Tired to Think Straight

Develop awareness with a distraction audit

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Dig deeper: How Distraction Is Rewiring Our Brains and How Mindfulness Can Help

Proactively eliminate as many distractions as possible

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Dig deeper: How To Rescue Your Attention Span From Information Overload

Use an app like Freedom to block the web during periods when you’re trying to focus.

De-clutter and streamline your digital life

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💡 Tip: Disconnect from technology with the Todoist Digital Detox template.

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Dig deeper: How to Centralize Your Tasks When You’re Using Too Many Apps, How to Declutter Your Digital Life & Reclaim Your Attention.

Resist the urge to respond right away

Create an auto-reply to let people know not to expect an immediate response.

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Dig deeper: Not So Fast: A Manifesto for Slow Communication (Paywall)

Promote thoughtful, asynchronous communication

Elaine Meyer

Elaine is a writer, editor, and content strategist who is interested in tech, health, and the future of work.