Batching vs. Multitasking: Which Actually Works (And Which Just Feels Like Productivity)?

Sometimes productivity feels like a tightly choreographed dance. Other times, it’s like being chased by rabid squirrels while holding 12 open tabs in your brain. This week, I decided to pit two productivity heavyweights against each other: task batching vs. the ever-tempting illusion of multitasking.

The plan? Spend one week multitasking like an overconfident octopus. The next week, batch tasks like a minimalist monk with a color-coded calendar. The result? One of these methods had me crushing my checklist. The other had me forgetting where I left my coffee. Let’s get into it.

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Week 1: Multitasking Mayhem

Here’s a typical scene during my multitasking week:

• Slack notifications pinging like popcorn
• Emails popping up mid-sentence while writing this
• A microwave beeping in the background (was I cooking something?)
• Simultaneously making coffee, trying to schedule a meeting, and listening to a podcast called “How to Be Present”

It felt like I was doing so much. I mean, I was busy. But productivity? Yeah, about that…

The Science Behind the Madness

Despite multitasking feeling like a superhero move, several studies show that it actually lowers efficiency and increases mistakes. Why? Because of context-switching—when your brain jumps between tasks, it burns extra cognitive fuel each time it switches gears.

Multitasking is like trying to watch five movies at once—you don't really enjoy any of them, and you definitely forget the plot.

Every neuroscientist ever, probably

I thought I was a special snowflake. Nope. Turns out I was juggling chainsaws with spaghetti hands.

Did I finish tasks? Yes. Was the quality a bit “meh”? Also yes. Did I forget to feed my sourdough starter and disappoint it deeply? Sadly, yes again.

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Week 2: Batching Like a Boss

Okay, now picture this: I set a timer. I group similar tasks. I shut off distractions. I feel… oddly calm? What is happening?

Task batching means grouping similar tasks together and doing them in one go—emails, writing, admin things, etc. Instead of hopping between work zones like a caffeinated kangaroo, I settled into cozy little productivity sessions.

Here’s how I broke it down:

• Morning (9–11 AM): Creative work (writing, brainstorming, pretending I’m a genius)
• Midday (1–2 PM): Email replies and admin stuff (you know, adulting)
• Afternoon (3–3:30 PM): Social media scheduling (AKA shouting into the void)

Each block had a purpose. A mission. Unlike multitasking Max, this batch-focused version of me didn’t forget I’d started making tea. I drank it hot. Victory.

Why Batching Works Better Than a Productivity Potion

When you work on similar tasks together, your brain gets into “flow mode.” No switching, no toggling—just a quiet (rare) symphony of focus.

Unlike multitasking, batching reduces overwhelm. You’re not dodging mental ping-pong balls. You’re gently stacking them in neat rows.

Plus, batching makes daunting tasks feel manageable. Need proof? Try the Ta-Da List method I used here to celebrate after each batch. It’s oddly fulfilling to say “ta-da!” to yourself.

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The Verdict: Octopus Max vs Zen Max

At the end of two weeks, the results were clear. Multitasking feels productive. You’re buzzing like a bee at a rave. But you’re really just spreading attention so thin it might evaporate.

Batching, on the other hand, made me more effective, calmer, and—dare I say—​less likely to throw my phone across the room.

Let’s compare:

Metric	Multitasking 🐙	Batching 🧘
Tasks Completed	12 (half were sloppy)	9 (solid effort)
Energy Level	Frazzled	Steady
Mood at End of Day	Low-key defeated	Accomplished
Accidental Snack Count	5 (stress grazing)	2 (intentional joy)

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Batching Meets the Rest of Life

Once I saw the power of batching in work, I started applying it to chores and errands.

• Set a 15-minute batch timer for kitchen cleanup? Instantly better than letting dishes boil into guilt soup (I see you, Declutter Your Kitchen Counters)
• Batch laundry folding while watching a show? Somehow less soul-crushing!
• Sunday batching for the week ahead? Yep.

Batching might just be a golden key to avoiding that blur of panicked plate-spinning we all fall into.

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Try It—Without Judgment

If you’re interested in giving it a go, here’s this week’s mini challenge:

1. Pick one part of your day (morning work block, afternoon emails, etc.)
2. Group 2–3 similar tasks together
3. Block 30 focused minutes on your calendar (no phone, no pings)
4. Try just doing one batch a day

You don’t have to go full “monk mode.” Just aim for one moment where you’re not being yanked in 12 directions.

If you’re still not sure which method is for you, just ask: Does this feel peaceful or panicky? That question alone has saved me from a thousand frantic email sessions.

And here’s the truth bomb no one wants to admit: You can’t do everything at once. But you also don’t have to.

And now, I shall batch my typing hand’s rest with a proper cup of tea. Catch me next week testing another productivity hack—possibly involving fidget toys and questionable decisions.

Have you tried batching or multitasking lately? What’s worked for you?

Swing by our Instagram and tell me there—bonus points if you use a GIF of a squirrel in business attire.
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