How does multitasking affect the brain?

Many people have the habit of doing work while checking their phone, responding to messages, eating, or multitasking with the goal of increasing productivity. This is called multitasking.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Khanh, Department of Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, noted that the human brain does not handle many complex tasks at the same time, but mainly switches quickly between tasks. Each time such a transition occurs, the brain needs a short period of time to re-establish focus. This process consumes energy and makes it difficult to process information effectively. When information is not fully encoded, its ability to be stored in long-term memory is reduced.

Multitasking also affects the prefrontal brain – an area related to executive functioning, concentration, and behavioral control. This area is overactive, reducing the ability to pay attention, easily leading to the situation of “reading but not remembering”, “listening but not understanding”.

In addition, constantly being interrupted by phone notifications, emails or social networks makes it difficult for the brain to maintain a prolonged state of concentration, thereby causing poor study and work efficiency.

Some common symptoms of prolonged multitasking include difficulty remembering details, easily forgetting information just received, being unable to complete complex tasks, or having to reread many times to understand.

According to Dr. Khanh, in cases of poor concentration, memory loss related to stress, insomnia or cognitive overload, doctors may consider supportive measures. One of the methods used today is transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). This method uses electromagnetic pulses to affect brain areas related to attention, memory, and emotional regulation, thereby helping to improve concentration and information processing efficiency.

rTMS is a non-invasive method, does not require anesthesia, each treatment session lasts about 15-30 minutes. The doctor will individualize the regimen based on each patient’s specific condition, especially if there is prolonged decreased concentration, accompanied by anxiety, stress or sleep disorders.

Workers should prioritize handling each task, limit interruptions, get enough sleep and maintain reasonable exercise. If symptoms persist or clearly affect work, you should go to a neurological facility for evaluation and advice on appropriate intervention.