You may have heard that recent science suggests that multitasking can actually make you less productive, rather than help you get more done.
While there is some truth to this, it really depends on the tasks you are trying to pair together. Working and playing on your phone at the same time isn’t likely to work out well. However, when you combine activities that naturally have some downtime or that require less concentration, multitasking really can help you get more done.
In fact, here are eight multi-tasking ideas that, when used together, can actually shave hours off of your day!
1. Clean the Tub While You Shower
You’re in the shower anyway; why not fight some soap scum while you’re at it? Keep a soap filled scrub brush
Don’t sit on the couch mindlessly while your favorite shows are on. Use the time to get a few household chores done. Laundry and TV make the perfect pair. Laundry doesn’t require much concentration, and you can sit down. Just wait until the commercial break to put the clothes away.
3. Clip Coupons While Helping with Homework
When your kids are working on their homework, you want to be available, but you don’t want to just sit and do nothing for an hour. Sitting down at the table with them to clip or print coupons is a great way to multitask. You’ll be right there if they need help, and you won’t mind being interrupted if they have any questions.
4. Clean the Bathroom While You Supervise Bath Time
Do you have toddlers who still need a little supervision during bath time? Clean the bathroom while they play happily with their toys. You can wipe the mirror, clean the toilet and sweep the floor all without leaving the room. Just be sure to mop real fast after they’re out so you don’t risk them falling on a slippery floor.
5. Meal Plan While You’re Cooking Dinner
Instead of sitting down for an hour to meal plan every week, plan out your meals while you’re cooking dinner. Every time you have a few minutes until you need to stir, flip through the other pages in your cook book. Write down a few new recipes you’d like to try and the ingredients for each. By the time dinner is ready, your meal plan will be too.
6. Dust and Scrub Baseboards While Talking on the Phone
Dusting and scrubbing aren’t difficult, just incredibly time consuming. Why not combine this time with the time you spend on the phone either talking to your friends or on hold with various companies? Get in the habit of dusting and scrubbing every time you’re on the phone and the tasks won’t build up as much, making them much easier to tackle in the future.
7. Combine Errands Into One Trip
Running out to the store every time you need something can be very time consuming. Save your time by setting aside a certain time each week to do all of your errands at once. Keep a running list so you don’t forget anything. Sure, it may take you an hour or two on a Saturday morning to get everything done, but that’s much less time than it will take you to make 30-45 minute trips several times a week.
8. Run the Dishwasher and Laundry Overnight
Do you spend time every morning washing a few dishes so you can eat breakfast or searching for clean clothes for your children to wear? If so, try running the dishwasher and throwing in a laundry each night before you go to bed. This way, you’ll always wake up to a home that is ready for you, not piles of dishes and laundry that prevent you from getting anything done.
How often do you multitask to get things done? What are your favorite tasks to pair together?