By John-Paul Andersen, PhD – Formulation Scientist and Cofounder of &Mind

The Illusion of Productivity

Many people pride themselves on being great multitaskers—juggling emails during meetings, scrolling through messages while working, or switching between tasks every few minutes. It feels productive. But the brain doesn’t see it that way.

In reality, multitasking overloads the brain’s control systems. Instead of doing two things at once, the brain rapidly switches back and forth, burning energy, reducing accuracy, and leaving you mentally drained.

What Multitasking Does to the Brain

• Task-switching costs: Every switch requires the brain’s prefrontal cortex to “reconfigure” attention, which takes time and energy .
  
  

• Reduced efficiency: Studies show productivity can drop by up to 40% when trying to multitask compared to focusing on one task .
  
  

• Weaker memory encoding: The hippocampus struggles to form strong memories under divided attention, making it harder to retain information .
  
  

• Stress overload: Constant interruptions increase cortisol, worsening focus and increasing irritability .
  
  

The more we multitask, the more scattered, fatigued, and unproductive our brains become.

The Hidden Costs of Multitasking

• Lower quality work — more mistakes, less creativity.
  
  

• Lost time — attention switching adds up to hours of wasted productivity each week.
  
  

• Mental fatigue — overloading the prefrontal cortex leaves you drained earlier in the day.
  
  

• Emotional strain — multitasking is linked to higher stress and reduced emotional regulation .
  
  

How to Reclaim Focus in a Multitasking World

Breaking free from multitasking requires conscious strategies:

1. Single-tasking power – Work in focused intervals (such as the Pomodoro technique) to maximize efficiency.
   
   

2. Batch similar tasks – Grouping emails, calls, or meetings prevents constant mode-switching.
   
   

3. Digital boundaries – Limit notifications to protect uninterrupted focus.
   
   

4. Brain fuel – Support prefrontal cortex energy needs with nutrients that sustain attention and reduce fatigue.
   
   

5. Recovery time – Short walks, stretching, or mindful breaks reset brain chemistry.
   
   

Where &Mind Fits In

When we formulated &Mind, we considered how modern life constantly fragments attention. Multitasking depletes the brain faster, so it requires smarter support.

• &Mind AM: Ginkgo biloba, acetyl-L-carnitine, glucoraphanin, B-vitamins, and CoQ10 help support circulation, fuel mitochondria, and sustain focus, giving the brain resilience against distraction fatigue.
  
  

• &Mind PM: Lemon balm, magnesium glycinate, L-theanine, vitamin D3, zinc, vitamin E, and rosa roxburghii help calm overstimulation, restore neurotransmitters, and improve sleep quality, allowing the brain to recharge overnight.
  
  

Together, this cycle helps the brain stay focused longer and recover faster—an antidote to the costs of multitasking.

Final Thoughts

Multitasking feels efficient, but in truth it drains clarity, energy, and creativity. By protecting focus, fueling the brain, and supporting recovery, you can break the multitasking myth and achieve more with less stress. &Mind was built to help you think clearer, every day and every night.

References

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