Blog — Productivity

In today's fast-paced world, the ability to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously is often seen as a valuable skill. However, recent research suggests that multitasking may not be as efficient and effective as once believed. In contrast, monotasking, or focusing on one task at a time, has emerged as a method for enhancing productivity and overall performance. This article explores the advantages of monotasking over multitasking and discusses how products like those offered by Time Timer can assist individuals in practicing and benefiting from monotasking. 

The Pitfalls of Multitasking 

Multitasking involves dividing attention and attempting to perform multiple tasks simultaneously. While it may seem like a way to get more done in less time, research indicates that multitasking can actually impair productivity and efficiency. When individuals switch between tasks, they experience cognitive switching costs, which result in a loss of time and mental energy. Moreover, dividing attention between tasks often leads to a lack of focus, reduced creativity, and an increased likelihood of errors. 

The Power of Monotasking

Monotasking, on the other hand, involves focusing on one task at a time, dedicating one's full attention and energy to that particular activity. By concentrating on a single task, individuals can delve deeper into the task at hand, fully engage their cognitive resources, and achieve a state of flow—a mental state where one is fully immersed and absorbed in an activity. This level of focus allows for better problem-solving, improved decision-making, and higher-quality outcomes. 

The Benefits of Monotasking 

Enhanced Productivity

Improved Quality 

Reduced Stress and Overwhelm

Time Timer: A Tool for Monotasking 

To assist individuals in practicing monotasking and experiencing its benefits, tools like those offered by Time Timer can be highly beneficial. Time Timer produces innovative timers and visual aids designed to promote focus, time management, and productivity. 

The Time Timer visual timer displays the passage of time in a clear and intuitive manner, using a graphic red disk that gradually disappears as time elapses. This visual representation serves as a gentle reminder to stay focused on the current task, helping individuals avoid distractions and maintain a consistent workflow. By having a visual reference of time remaining, individuals can effectively allocate their attention and stay on track, enhancing their ability to monotask. 

Additionally, Time Timer offers various products tailored to specific needs, including desktop timers, digital apps, and even classroom-friendly timers. These tools provide individuals with the flexibility to adapt to different environments and tasks while cultivating the habit of monotasking. 

Promoting Focus and Time Management 

In a world filled with constant distractions and demands for multitasking, monotasking offers a powerful alternative for individuals seeking to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness. By prioritizing one task at a time and dedicating full attention to it, individuals can experience heightened productivity, improved quality of work, and reduced stress. Tools like those provided by Time Timer further support this practice by promoting focus and time management. Embracing monotasking as a strategy for work and life can lead to remarkable results and a greater sense of accomplishment. 

If you own an iPhone, then you are doubtlessly familiar with the feature called Screen Time.  

Even if you do not set limits and restrictions for yourself using Screen Time, which you can find in the settings, you have probably seen the weekly notification pop up that shows you the hard data about your phone usage.  

For the writer of this article, that weekly notification would often be over an hour long, sometimes several hours. And that was even after I deleted the “big three” social media platforms: Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. (I never downloaded TikTok, but I still do have a LinkedIn).  

What Made My Screen Time So High 

The main culprits were YouTube, which always has a just-short-enough video ready to recommend a user, and Google in general—being able to look up anything at any time, find any factoid or go down an information rabbit hole at any whim.  

Luckily, I had/have enough self-control to not be jumping onto YouTube or those information rabbit holes while working—this was mostly threatening my free time, which I do not like to waste.  

But still, an hour on YouTube or Wikipedia after work, spending a chunk of time just “unwinding” before getting around to reading, or exercising, or whatever I should have been doing, was not as relaxing as I wished.  

After enough of these troubling notifications, I decided to take a stand: I would do whatever it takes to spend less time on my phone, and more time doing things that I actually wanted to get done.  

Why I Wanted to Cut Down My Screen Time 

I think I share an intuition that many people hold, which is that screen time really does have a negative and measurable impact on one’s ability to focus, reason, and creativity. That’s not to mention being able to withstand boredom, a lack of stimulation, and living without immediate gratification, for extended periods of time.  

As it turns out, there is evidence that indeed supports these intuitions. The impact is even more negative for children. 

So, a Screen Time notification that places my screen time at 30 minutes or less is what I wanted.  

Of course, I am on a screen for much more than half an hour a day, but that is because I am on my computer screen. Most of the time there, I am writing blogs, answering emails, and reading articles and research materials that are relevant to my work.  

When I am on my phone, then, I am not really working, which is why spending only about half an hour a day on average, mostly just answering and sending texts and the occasional call, is just what I need.  

How the Time Timer Helps 

Things really began to change for me once I got the Time Timer MOD visual timer. At first, I wondered who would use such a product in the age of the smartphone alarm, but once I began to consistently use the visual timer, I became a believer.  

Having a visual rundown of the timer hits you on an immediate level, as it serves as a visual reminder that time is a precious commodity, and so one must spend it wisely.  

And, as it turns out, it has managed to further develop my focus during work. After implementing the Time Timer, I became much more productive in getting down the blogs I need on a tight timeframe, which is important to me because I write two blogs a day.  

I can say with confidence that becoming a daily user of the Time Timer MOD timer has made me a more all-around focused and productive individual.  

Limiting Access to Certain Time-Sink Websites 

In addition to using the Time Timer, the other big tip is to make good use of your devices’ screen time controls. I have blocked YouTube and many other time-sink sites on my phone, and I currently have a “work browser” on my laptop that has similar restrictions, so that I can really only access sites that are directly relevant to my work.  

Hopefully these tips can help you manage your screen time to your desire! See below for some more information about Time Timer products.  

More Great Time Management Products from Time Timer  

Time Timer products have been essential for creating success in homes and classrooms around the world, with a variety of uses for Time Timer products for people with special needs.  

Check out the rest of the Time Timer products, which includes the Time Timer Wash, a great handwashing aid for creating a healthier school or home environment. 

The Time Timer Blog 

Want more information about time management, education, child-rearing, special needs, Time Timer products, and more? Follow our blog on the Time Timer site!  

See some of our selected blogs here:  

• Time Blindness and ADHD 
• The Creation of Time Timer (Jan’s Story) 
• Dyscalculia and Trouble with Time 
• Early Indicators of Dyslexia in Young Children  
• How to Use a Visual Schedule to Increase Productivity at Home and in the Classroom 

Arguably the best part of a new year is a fresh new planner. The blank pages bring excitement of what they may be filled with. As we saw last year, you can do all the planning in the world and life can throw a wrench in that plan. This year may seem a little daunting after the past year we had, but start small with your new planner and set your intentions to make this the best year yet! 

Here are a few planners to get you started this year:  

Passion Planner  Who they’re good for: Anyone who wants to feel more purpose-driven in life.    Why we love them: No more juggling several different notebooks. This all-in-one solution gives you one place to set goals, track appointments, write journal entries and even sketch. In fact, the company calls it “one place for all your thoughts.” And, did we mention? Stickers!!    How to use them: Consider the passion planner a place to really reflect on your life then use that insight to dream. Once you’ve done this big picture work, you can leverage the planner to break it all down into manageable steps and live out your goals in daily life. If it all sounds a little overwhelming, tackle it 10 or 20 minutes at a time with the Time Timer MOD® - Home Edition to help keep you on track.

We hope this list helps you find a planner to help you plan your best year yet!