Working efficiently is a hot topic more than ever. Also because in today's world, multitasking and being constantly available seems to be the norm. What does psychology - and more specifically, neuroscience - really say about how best to approach our work? We take a look at our gray matter and see how we can optimize our work routines based on it.
1. Focus and attention
Our brain was not made for multitasking. Studies show that when we try to manage multiple tasks at once, our attention is fragmented and the quality of our work declines. In fact, the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for managing attention, can only focus on one task at a time. So efficient work starts with a singletask approach.
2. The role of dopamine
Did you know that checking off tasks on your to-do list gives you a dopamine rush? This feel-good hormone rewards us for 'checked-off'-tasks and motivates us to keep going. Working smart therefore means breaking down your tasks into smaller achievable goals to keep your brain stimulated and motivated. And: Knowing when you can use that dopamine kick is also helpful in a day. Most people have their peak moment in the morning and have a little more trouble with focused work in the afternoon. So cross off the small tasks in the afternoon and get that kick!
3. The importance of breaks
Our brains need rest to process information and promote creativity. The Pomodoro technique, which alternates work periods with short breaks, is based on this principle. It takes our natural cycle of our attention span and optimizes productivity and focus. You can read more about this in The Shortkit, the app that all The Shortkit participants receive.
4. Habits and routines
Habits play a crucial role in working efficiently. By automating certain tasks, we can save mental energy for the more complex challenges. This principle is organized in the 'basal ganglia'. another part of the brain that helps form and maintain habits.
5. Minimizing decision fatigue.
Every decision, no matter how small, depletes our mental energy. By reducing the number of daily decisions (think Steve Jobs with his daily uniform), we can avoid decision fatigue and save our cognitive resources for more important things.
Working efficiently, then, is not only about managing your time, but also about using your mental capabilities intelligently. By applying insights from behavioral and brain sciences, we can refine our working methods and not only do more in less time, but also significantly improve our well-being and job satisfaction. Learn more about the psychological and neuroscientific facts behind efficient work in The Shortcut's workshops.
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