The Illusion of Doing It All
You’re stirring dinner on the stove, answering a text, keeping an ear out for the kids, and mentally adding “buy more laundry detergent” to your to-do list. Sound familiar? For moms, multitasking isn’t just a habit—it feels like survival. The world tells us we should be able to do it all, all at once, and if we can’t, we’re failing. But what if multitasking is actually working against us?
Despite feeling like a superpower, multitasking is a myth—at least, in the way we believe it to be. Science shows that our brains don’t juggle tasks simultaneously; instead, they rapidly switch between them. This constant shifting increases stress, slows us down, and drains our energy faster than we realize.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to multitask to be productive or to be a good mom. In this post, we’ll break down why multitasking is adding to your burnout and explore how focusing on one thing at a time can actually help you get more done while feeling calmer and more present.
Why Multitasking Feels Productive (But Really Isn’t)
For years, multitasking has been glorified as a skill, especially for moms. You may even feel a sense of accomplishment when managing multiple things at once. After all, doesn’t it make sense that doing more at the same time means getting more done?
Not exactly.
The Brain Science Behind Multitasking
Multitasking doesn’t actually mean doing two things at once—it means switching rapidly between tasks. Each time you shift focus, your brain has to reset, using up mental energy and reducing efficiency. Studies have found that multitasking reduces productivity by up to 40% and increases cortisol levels, the stress hormone that fuels burnout.
Real-Life Example: The Dinner-Time Chaos
Imagine this: You’re trying to cook dinner while helping your child with homework. In between, you check an email, respond to a text, and turn off the boiling pot just before it overflows. By the time dinner is on the table, you feel exhausted and frazzled. Worse, you barely remember the conversation you had with your child while chopping vegetables.
Now picture a different scenario: You focus fully on helping with homework first—no phone, no stirring sauce in between. Once that’s done, you turn your full attention to cooking. The result? You finish faster, feel less overwhelmed, and actually remember the sweet story your child shared about their day.
Questions to Consider:
- Have you ever felt like you’re constantly busy but never actually getting anything done?
- How often do you feel mentally drained at the end of the day from juggling too much at once?
Quick Tip:
Try single-tasking for just 10 minutes today. Pick one task—whether it’s playing with your child, answering emails, or drinking your coffee—and give it your full attention. Notice how it feels.
How Multitasking Increases Stress and Burnout
If multitasking is so inefficient, why do we keep doing it? One big reason is that it tricks us into thinking we’re being productive. But beneath the surface, it’s increasing our stress and pushing us closer to burnout.
The Hidden Toll of Multitasking
- Increased Cortisol Levels: Every time we switch tasks, the body releases stress hormones, making it harder to relax even when we’re “off duty.”
- Mental Overload: Constantly shifting focus leads to brain fog, forgetfulness, and decision fatigue.
- Reduced Presence: Multitasking pulls us out of the moment, making it harder to enjoy the small, meaningful experiences in daily life.
Real-Life Example: The Never-Ending Mental To-Do List
Sarah, a working mom of two, prided herself on being able to handle it all. But after months of trying to manage work, parenting, and household tasks simultaneously, she found herself feeling constantly anxious and exhausted. Her mind was always racing, and she couldn’t fully enjoy moments with her kids because she was always thinking about what needed to be done next. When she started setting boundaries and focusing on one thing at a time, she noticed a huge improvement in her energy and stress levels.
Questions to Consider:
- Do you often feel like your mind is running on overdrive, even when you’re trying to relax?
- Have you ever felt emotionally disconnected from a moment because you were too distracted by everything else?
Quick Tip:
Try a “one-task-at-a-time” rule for one hour each day—whether it’s work, cleaning, or playing with your kids. See if you feel calmer and more in control.
How to Shift from Multitasking to Being More Present
If multitasking is causing stress, what’s the alternative? Shifting to a more present, focused way of working and living.
The Power of Single-Tasking
- Increases Efficiency: When you focus on one task at a time, you complete it faster and with fewer mistakes.
- Reduces Mental Fatigue: Your brain doesn’t have to constantly switch gears, saving energy.
- Enhances Enjoyment: Being fully present helps you experience more joy and connection in everyday moments.
Actionable Steps to Break Free from Multitasking
- Practice Mindful Transitions: Before moving to a new task, take a deep breath and set an intention for what you’re about to do.
- Time-Block Your Day: Dedicate specific chunks of time to different tasks instead of constantly bouncing between them.
- Set Boundaries with Technology: Turn off notifications when focusing on work, family time, or self-care.
Real-Life Example: Reclaiming Presence in Small Moments
Lisa, a busy mom of three, found herself constantly distracted, even during bedtime routines. She made a simple shift—putting her phone in another room and giving her kids 10 minutes of undivided attention. The result? Bedtime felt calmer, and she felt more connected rather than mentally juggling the next day’s to-dos.
Questions to Consider:
- What’s one moment in your day where you could practice single-tasking?
- How do you feel when you focus fully on one thing versus when you try to juggle multiple tasks?
Quick Tip:
Start small. Pick one daily task—whether it’s eating lunch, playing with your kids, or folding laundry—and give it your full attention. See how it shifts your energy.
Simple Strategies to Build a Single-Tasking Routine
Breaking free from multitasking doesn’t mean you have to abandon efficiency—it means working smarter, not harder. Here are some simple strategies to start incorporating more presence into your daily routine.
1. Prioritize Your Top Three Tasks
Instead of a never-ending to-do list, pick your top three most important tasks for the day. This prevents overwhelm and keeps you focused.
2. Use the Pomodoro Technique
Work in focused 25-minute intervals, followed by a 5-minute break. This method boosts productivity while preventing mental fatigue.
3. Batch Similar Tasks Together
Group similar activities—like answering emails or meal prepping—into designated time slots instead of switching between unrelated tasks.
4. Set Boundaries and Protect Your Focus
Let family members know when you need uninterrupted time and create “no phone” zones for moments that matter most.
Real-Life Example: A Mom’s Journey to Intentional Focus
After struggling with constant mental clutter, Emily started implementing the top three tasks rule and batching her work. Within weeks, she noticed she felt less stressed, more accomplished, and more present with her kids.
Questions to Consider:
- What’s one area of your life where you can reduce unnecessary multitasking?
- Which of these strategies feels the most doable for your current lifestyle?
Quick Tip:
Start small. Choose one single-tasking strategy to implement today and observe how it changes your stress levels.
Final Thoughts: Embracing Presence Over Productivity
Multitasking may feel like the only way to survive a busy life, but in reality, it’s stealing your energy, increasing your stress, and making everyday moments slip away unnoticed. The truth is, you don’t have to do it all at once to be a great mom, partner, or professional—you just need to be present in the moments that matter most.
By shifting from multitasking to single-tasking, you’ll begin to experience more clarity, more joy, and less overwhelm. Small changes—like focusing on one task at a time, setting boundaries, and creating intentional pauses—can make a profound impact on your well-being.
Next Steps to a More Focused Life
- Join my newsletter for weekly tips on stress relief, mindful productivity, and burnout recovery.
- Want deeper transformation? Explore The Transcendence Program, designed to help moms manage stress, reclaim energy, and feel more in control of their lives.
- Try this today: Choose one task—whether it’s eating a meal, playing with your kids, or completing a work project—and give it your full attention. See how it changes your energy and focus.
You deserve to feel calm, present, and in control of your life. It all starts with one small shift at a time.
