Frequent switching between tasks measurably degrades performance and increases stress. Why - **Attention residue**. Parts of the previous task remains in your [[Working memory|working memory]], leaving less space for the new task. Relates to [[Cognitive load theory|cognitive load theory]]. - **Switching costs**. Processing the cue for the new task, and being in an environment where you are prepared for the possibility of a switch, both require attention. This leads to - More errors - Less [[Flow state|flow states]] and increase in [[Stress|stress]]. Simple tactics can help - Batch similar tasks. - Blocking off uninterrupted focus time. (E.g. [[Pomodoro]]) - Write "ready-to-resume" notes when switching task to help your brain let go of the old task. These are 1-minute notes with context on where you're at and what's left.