Toxic Multitasking: How Switching Tasks Hurts Productivity

Toxic multitasking can affect focus, memory and productivity while increasing stress. Learn why constant task-switching can make everyday work harder.

By Divine Media 24 ·October 10, 2026 ·2 min read ·15 views ·Updated 27 October 2026, 4:23am

Replying to work messages during lunch, checking social media between emails and responding to notifications while talking to someone may feel productive. However, constantly switching between activities can make it harder to concentrate and complete tasks efficiently. Psychologists describe this pattern as “toxic multitasking”.
Prerna Pant, a psychologist at ISIC Multispeciality Hospital in Delhi, explains that repeatedly jumping between tasks can affect attention and the way people manage their workload. Although multitasking may create the impression of getting more done, frequent interruptions can leave tasks unfinished and make it difficult to maintain focus.
The brain often needs time to shift attention from one activity to another. When people repeatedly move between messages, emails and demanding work, they may lose track of details or need to revisit information. This can increase the time required to complete a task and raise the likelihood of mistakes.
Constant task-switching may also affect memory. When attention is divided, information may be harder to process and retain. Notifications and digital interruptions can further disrupt concentration, particularly during activities that require sustained thinking.
The habit can contribute to stress as well. Managing several competing demands at once may create a sense of urgency, leaving people mentally tired even when they have made limited progress on their most important work.
Reducing unnecessary switching can help. People can group similar tasks together, silence non-essential notifications, set specific times to check messages and focus on one demanding activity at a time. Short breaks between work sessions can also help maintain attention.
Multitasking is sometimes necessary, especially for routine activities, but it may be less effective when tasks require careful thought or active listening. Recognising the difference between useful task management and constant distraction can help people work more efficiently and protect their attention.