Look, I’ll level with you: Last Tuesday, I burned toast while answering Slack messages, tripped over my dog, and accidentally texted my boss a meme meant for my college roommate. Multitasking? More like multifailing.
But here’s the twist: After that dumpster fire of a morning, I discovered a way to multitask that doesn’t leave you smelling like charred bread. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing smarter. Let’s talk about how to hack your chaos.
1. The “Odd Couple” Rule (RIP Tony Curtis)
Bad multitasking: Writing a proposal while watching Succession (RIP Logan Roy).
Good multitasking: Chopping veggies while debating podcast hosts in your head.
Here’s my rule: Pair tasks that use different brain muscles.
- Body busy + Mind busy: Walking + brainstorming (my dog’s heard some wild startup ideas).
- Body busy + Mind chillin’: Laundry + audiobook (RIP my pink sock turned magenta).
Confession: I “practice TED Talks” while showering. My shampoo bottle has heard more about blockchain than my therapist.
2. The ADHD Hack That Changed Everything
Shoutout to my neurospicy bestie who taught me this: Always keep one “dumb task” in your back pocket.
How it works:
- When stuck on a big project (writing this blog), I alphabetize spices or untangle necklaces.
- The mindless task stops overthinking. The productive task gets done.
Science-ish reason: Physical busyness tricks your brain into focus mode. My spice rack? Michelin-star ready.
3. Multitasking for Cowards (My 4PM Ritual)
At 4PM daily, I hit a wall. Enter: The “Double Decker Nap”.
Steps:
- Lie on floor (optional: dramatic sigh).
- Set timer for 10 mins.
- Stare at ceiling while listening to whale sounds.
- Let mind wander to tasks.
Why it works: Resting while processing = multitasking for introverts. Last week, I solved a work crisis and finally remembered to buy toothpaste.
4. The “Phone Stack” Game (For Recovering Scrollers)
Stolen from a Brooklyn bartender:
Rules:
- Gather coworkers/friends/kids.
- Stack phones in center of table.
- First to grab theirs buys coffee/does dishes/gets roasted.
My win: Went 47 minutes without Instagram. Saw 3 whole sunsets. Felt like a Victorian poet.
5. Multitask Your Future (Become Your Own Fairy Godmother)
Example: While making coffee, I…
- Unload dishwasher (gift to future me).
- Listen to Planet Money (gift to smarter me).
- Text Mom (gift to guilt-free me).
Pro tip: Pair annoying tasks with dopamine. I pay bills while blasting Beyoncé. Power pose included.
Your Turn: Steal My Chaos
Try one combo this week:
- Walking meetings (bonus: dodge awkward eye contact).
- Folding socks + returning voicemails (they’ll never know).
- Stirring soup + practicing Italian (Mamma mia!).
If you fail? Welcome to the club. We meet Tuesdays. Snacks provided.