Introduction
In my previous article, I argued that multitasking isn't always something to avoid. Instead of treating it as inherently inefficient, I suggested that the combination of tasks is what really matters.
For example, pairing compatible tasks, attaching a new habit to an existing routine, or even taking advantage of the right environment can sometimes create a positive synergy rather than hurting productivity.
That said, compatibility really is the key. When two tasks compete with each other, multitasking often leads to reduced focus, lower-quality work, and greater mental fatigue.
So this time, I'd like to take the opposite perspective and share a few combinations that I personally try to avoid, along with why I think they don't work very well.
As always, these are simply observations based on my own experience. I hope you'll read this as one person's perspective and perhaps compare it with your own habits.
1. When Language Competes with Language
Examples
- Writing a blog post while listening to a podcast
- Writing emails while listening to music with lyrics
- Reading a book while studying from audio lessons
This is probably one of the easiest examples to imagine. When both activities require language processing, they tend to compete for your attention.
Personally, I find it difficult to write while listening to lyrical music or talk radio. Instrumental music, on the other hand—such as jazz—often feels much less distracting and can even help me stay focused.
Another interesting thing I've noticed is that music sung in a language I don't understand often feels much less intrusive. Since I'm not automatically processing the lyrics, it becomes more like background sound. In that sense, it almost plays a role similar to white noise—at least that's how it feels to me. (I'm curious whether other people experience the same thing.)
2. Decision-Making Tasks + Tasks That Require Comprehension
Examples
- Planning a project while listening to a podcast
- Creating presentation slides while following the news
- Brainstorming ideas while listening to talk radio
This overlaps slightly with the previous category, but I think it's worth separating.
Tasks like brainstorming, planning, or creating documents require active thinking and decision-making. Combining them with something that also requires you to understand spoken information—such as podcasts or news—doesn't seem to work very well.
Even if both tasks can technically be done at the same time, I find that my attention constantly shifts back and forth, making both activities less effective.
Personally, if I want some background audio while working on this type of task, instrumental music works much better. Even when I have the news playing, I usually don't actively follow what is being said. It's more like ambient background sound than something I'm actually listening to, and that seems to interfere much less with my thinking.
3. Deep Focus + Constant Notifications
Examples
- Studying while receiving LINE notifications
- Writing while checking Slack
- Designing while constantly checking email
This isn't exactly multitasking—it's more like frequent interruptions.
Every notification pulls your attention away, forcing your brain to switch contexts. It can be surprisingly exhausting.
When I'm working on something that requires concentration, I've found it much more effective to mute notifications and deal with emails or messages in batches afterward.
4. Safety-Critical Tasks + Anything Else
Examples
- Driving while using your phone
- Cycling while watching videos
- Using a kitchen knife while trying to do something else
This isn't really about productivity at all.
When safety is involved, even "just for a second" can lead to accidents. These are combinations that are simply not worth the risk.
5. Rest Time + Information Consumption
Examples
- Scrolling through social media during lunch breaks
- Reading the news in bed before sleeping
- Checking work emails during breaks
Breaks and sleep are meant to be opportunities to recover.
However, if we habitually fill those moments with social media, news, or emails, we may not be giving our minds the rest they actually need. Even if those activities don't feel like work, our brains are still processing new information.
Personally, I often catch myself picking up my phone whenever I have a few spare minutes—scrolling through social media or looking up things that aren't actually urgent.
I've found that intentionally leaving some of those moments empty instead of automatically reaching for my phone helps me feel more refreshed and makes it easier to focus afterward.
Conclusion
Everything I've shared here comes from my own experience and the task combinations that I personally find incompatible.
Writing this article reminded me that multitasking itself isn't necessarily the problem. What really matters is which tasks we combine. Some combinations compete for the same mental resources, while others can complement each other surprisingly well—as I discussed in my previous article.
If this topic interests you, it might be worth taking a closer look at your own multitasking habits. You may discover combinations that help you stay focused, as well as others that leave you more mentally drained than you realized.
Understanding those patterns could be a simple but effective way to improve both your productivity and your daily routine.
Thanks for reading!
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