10 reasons why you Should stop multitasking

Any small business owner or freelancer knows the importance of being a good multitasker. In truth, though, multitasking may not be your best option. Here are 10 reasons why you should stop multitasking and focus on one thing at a time.

It lowers your IQ

If you are doing nearly all administrative tasks for your company, it's time to stop. Some company owners manage, run payroll, hire, interview and work on finances. A better idea is to simply focus on the management part of your business.

Some studies have shown that doing too many things at once could lower IQ. Researchers have found a link between multitaskers and IQ drops. In the studies, men experienced more dramatic drops than women.

You'll make mistakes

Another reason to stop doing too much at once is due to accuracy. Workers who try to do too much at one time are more likely to make careless errors. A better idea is to focus on improving your time management strategies. Then, you can focus on a way to get each task done one at a time.

This is a strategy that could be passed on to your staff as well. You and your workers should make each job a priority so mistakes are less common. This way, your company could have better results and improve its ability to get things done right the first time.

You could face more stress

There is also research linking too much responsibility with stress levels. It's much more satisfying to the brain to complete one job at a time. You can feel successful, even if just for a moment. Doing several things at once and not completing any can make you feel like a failure.

These feelings may increase your stress levels. This can also make it much more difficult to finish anything. If you have too much going on, you may rush through your tasks. Slowing down and seeing a job to the end is much more rewarding.

It causes overeating

Some people who have many different projects going on at once are also more likely to overeat. Think about it. Multitasking may mean you're constantly busy. This could leave you with little free time for your lunch break.

If you're trying to make your lunch productive, you may resort to ordering takeout or a fast food meal. These food options are often higher in calories and less nutritious. In the long run, it's better to stop working and take a break for lunch. You can take the time to make something healthy and filling and be less likely to reach for junk food.

You could be working slower

Even though it may seem like a multitasker is saving time, that is not usually the case. In fact, you may be working slower. Giving each job the attention it needs often speeds up the process and improves efficiency. You'll be more successful if you set goals and work smarter.

Your quality of life may suffer

Quality of life is something you shouldn't ever ignore. As a busy business owner, you may be stuck in the grind. It's vital to take time and evaluate your overall happiness every once in a while. If you're always working on several different things, you may not be able to do this. Maybe it's time to consider a new way of working, such as traveling for your job, to improve your outlook.

It may impact your memory

There is also some research suggesting doing too much at once impacts memory. As you age, you need as much help as possible to keep your memory strong. Don't let poor work habits make this a problem.

Your creative ideas may slow

Creative juices are often what make new ideas successful in a business. Your creativity may slow down if you're always running from one thing to the next. You have to give yourself time to reflect and be inspired to get the creative ideas going again.

Your work quality is worse

Managers from companies in all types of fields see another common problem with work quality from multitaskers. You may think you're getting so much done and being effective. In reality, your work quality may be seriously suffering.

It isn't safe

The last problem that makes this work style not ideal has to do with safety. When your attention is all over the place, accidents and mishaps are more common. Drivers not paying attention cause more crashes than ever before. It's safer for you and everyone else to focus on one thing.

It's time to revamp your working style and stop being a multitasker. If you want to get more done and be more satisfied, you can by doing one thing at a time.