Multitasking Can Wreak Havoc On Your Memory

Struggling to recall a name that should slip easily off your tongue? Find yourself fumbling during a conversation?

Well, for all you know, your brain is fatigued due to multitasking all the time. You could also be overly stressed or depressed and suffering memory loss. It’s best to focus on one task at a time in order to prevent your memory from being permanently impaired.

Common Causes of Memory Loss

Overloading the brain

Emotional stress

Vitamin deficiencies like B12

Substance abuse (alcohol and recreational drugs)

Smoking

Lack of sleep

Aging

Dementia

Side effects of medication

Thyroid disorders

Memory problems after head injury

Memory impairment after the age of 50

When the brain takes on too much work, it suppresses some areas to focus on a particular activity and treats other stimuli as irrelevant. For example, Let’s say you’re busy finishing your project on your computer, and your spouse tells you to turn off the stove and lock the door. Now, you might remember to lock the door, but forget to turn off the stove. 

The reason you forgot to turn off the stove is because your brain didn't process the information well enough to remember it. 

Similarly, when you’re under too much stress, the networks of your brain get jammed, making you unable to remember or recall properly.

Tips To Boost Your Memory

Exercising outdoors

Healthy food with plenty of vegetables and fruits

Meditation and Yoga to reduce stress

Continuously learning something new that will challenge the brain and keep it active.

Adequate sleep

Listing things to remember and setting alarms, which will help to organise memory and stay alert.

False Pride

So many of us pride ourselves on our ability to multitask. However, doing many things at once can actually work to our disadvantage. 

Dr K. Vinod Kumar, Neuro Physician at Sunshine Hospitals explains, "The mind can focus only on one thing at a time. When a person multitasks, then the brain is forced to divide its attention. This is found to directly impact the concentration levels, performance and also the power to recall. Multitasking tires the brain and fatigues the frontal lobe which regulates problem-solving and decision-making."

Dr Gopal Poduval, a Consultant Neurologist at Global Hospitals, says, "The average person has enough memory for daily social functioning, and learning expands these abilities."