In Defense of Multi-Tasking

I think multi-tasking has gotten a bad rap these days.

Sure, some forms of multi-tasking are downright foolish: Texting while driving can be deadly. Mindlessly munching on junk food while watching TV is bad for your waistline.

And I know better than to try scrolling through social media, eyes glued to phone, when my husband is in the mood for a meaningful conversation. Or a hot meal or a clean house or anything else, for that matter. Doing so would be rude and disrespectful.

But aside from a handful of ill-advised pairings like the ones mentioned above, I’ve always thought multi-tasking makes a lot sense. I wouldn’t be able to accomplish half of the things I do without doubling up at times.

Multitasking done right means matching a relatively mindless activity – like jogging – with something that will increase your enjoyment and productivity – like listening to Ted Talks while lapping the block.

Modern day appliances make it easy for us to multitask. I can start dinner in the crockpot or a load of laundry in the washer and let them work their magic while I clean house or do lessons with my children. What a timesaver!

Our forefathers understood multi-tasking. They’d call all the neighbors together and build friendships while raising a barn. The women did the same with quilting bees. They’d share news, encouragement, and hearty laughs around a quilting frame while pushing their needles up then down through the thick layers of fabric and batting.

I’ve been to a couple of quilting bees and must say that I found it quite enjoyable. Here are a few more of my favorite ways to boost productivity through multitasking:

My Favorite Ways to Multi-Task


Listening to podcasts while folding clothes

With seven children still living at home, we cycle through a lot of laundry. Even though the kids and my sweet husband help out with the folding, there’s enough left for me to do that I get through several podcasts a week. Doing so keeps my mind engaged while my hands are busy.

Doing Sudoku while soaking in the tub:

I keep a book of these number puzzles handy and work one whenever I’m relaxing in a hot bath… or anytime else I’m stuck in that room for an extended period of time.