Multi-tasking from the brain’s perspective

This article offers a neurobiological explanation of how the brain focuses and becomes distracted and how mindfulness practice can provide a remedy.

Two main neural circuits are contrasted: the mind-wandering default mode circuit and the attentional central executive system. These two systems act in an antagonistic pairing, where the degree of toggling between systems is associated with the degree a person can sustain focus and filter out unwarranted distractions.

Excessive multitasking appears to compromise the neural switch of these two systems, thereby diminishing our focus and concentration. In contrast, mindfulness practice is shown to have the opposite effect by enhancing the neural switch, thereby enhancing leadership focus that can lead to greater flexibility, foresight, regulation, and creativity.

Mohapel, Paul. “The neurobiology of focus and distraction: The case for incorporating mindfulness into leadership.” Health Care Management Forum, April 16, 2018, https://doi.org/10.1177/0840470417746414.