You've probably heard this word a lot over the last couple of years. You're probably doing it right now. Context switching is the act of jumping from one task to another without finishing them. This has become more prevalent in knowledge workers. Ever since the web and computers have made it easy to work with anyone over the internet, people have seen a rise in distractions while they work. Compared to the decades prior to the modern world.
And ever since most of us started to work from home, context switching has become an inevitable part of our work lives and maybe even our personal lives.
Why mindfulness matters in a world full of distractions
So with a world full of distractions, how should we tackle the act of context-switching? Distractions are a normal part of our lives, and the same is true of context switching. It is impossible to avoid it completely. You can only be aware of your actions and be mindful about them.
What is Context Switching?
History of Context switching
The term context switching originates from the world of computing. CPUs just like human brains do a lot of work. But when there are a lot of tasks to perform, it isn't very efficient to do it sequentially especially if there's a lot of waiting to do for a program. So, context switching instructs the CPU to switch to a different task while the other tasks are being processed.
Over the years, with the rise of computers and knowledge workers, they started applying the same concept where people switch tasks multiple times due to distractions or other thoughts.
But this doesn't mean context switching is a recent thing, we've been doing it for a long time, ever since we started to think. Only the term context switching is recent.
Why do we do it?
Context switching is inevitable, well it has anyway. Before the rise of computers, distractions were minimal, the world wasn't as connected as it is today. Most people did manual and physical jobs, and only a small population around the world worked in offices. So why is it so hard to stay focused?
Distractions are all around us
Since most of us work on the web, we must accept that the web and most of the tools we use are designed to interrupt us. From social media to work communication to email. Notifications are everywhere.
We're used to it
Over time, we've kind of become immune to these interruptions. Our brains are pretty smart, they can adapt to any situation. Since we've cultivated a habit of being okay with these distractions, we have trained our brains to be okay with them. But that doesn't mean our brains like it. It is still an interruption.
It's easier than being mindful
Let's be honest, it's hard to just sit still and do one thing for a long time. That's why meditation is hard, so is being mindful. Mindfulness is about being aware, but most of us have become so used to the distractions that we're almost robotic. We jump from task to task, app to app like monkeys.
Information is everywhere
Learning about new things is a good habit, but what happens if we are bombarded with information from all directions, constantly? Our phones and apps do just that. Once we get used to the dopamine, our brains seek it more. How do you feel when you see that you've got a bunch of notifications on your phone? Happy right? Over time, our brains crave it more and more then it starts to bleed into the other things we do.
How is this different from multitasking
While context switching and multitasking, sound similar in a way. They are entirely two different things.
- Context switching is when you're doing one task but you remember you need to do another task, so you stop task A and start doing task B.
- Multitasking on the other hand is trying to do both task A and task B at the same time.
Multitasking requires a higher cognitive function and leads to poor output. While context switching might have slightly better output than multitasking. But it doesn't mean both are good.
- high priority tasks vs low priority tasks
The Cost of Context Switching
There are many costs of context switching, and all of them are high. All of us do it and we're so used to doing it that we dont even realize it's happening.
- Context switching multiple times has been shown to increase stress and pressure
- It kills productivity and it can take a while before we get back up to speed
- It hinders the way we think
- Reduces attention and harms focus
- Confuses priorities
What Happens to Your Attention During Context Switching?
Context switching has a lot of impact on cognitive function and memory. When we jump from one task to another we still think about the other task we were doing. It's still a fresh print in our minds. This is called attention residue and it makes it difficult for you to focus on the next task. This leads to lower concentration and poor performance. Doing it over and over also has the effect of draining you mentally.
A modern worker spends a lot of time bouncing between different tools and on average gets distracted X times an hour.
Mindful Ways to Prevent Context Switching
- Write Everything Down: Externalizing thoughts to stay organized.
- Set Aside Manageable Blocks of Time: Time blocking and task batching for focus.
- Block Websites: Tools to limit digital distractions.
- Manage Interruptions: Setting boundaries for focus.
- Find Your Optimal Focus Time: Identifying a time of day with minimal distractions.
- Take Breaks Often: Why regular breaks enhance productivity.
- Keep a Distraction Log: Tracking distractions to improve focus.
Should You Avoid Context Switching at All Costs?
No, it's impossible to avoid context switching even if you are not someone who spends time working on a computer. It's part of being human and avoiding it isn't feasible. If something is important, it is wise to prioritize that over low-priority tasks.
But the important thing you must do is train yourself to be aware and make conscious choices. Initially, it will be hard to do but over time you will build a system that works for you.
