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An invisible but real source of stress for teachers
Let’s acknowledge a simple truth: teachers are experts at doing many things at once.
We explain lessons, answer questions, take attendance, calm the class—and meanwhile, we’re thinking about an upcoming evaluation. All of this happens in a single class period.
Then comes the break. But not for rest. During the break, you might answer an email, counsel a student, and fill out paperwork. The day continues at the same pace. From school to home, only the setting changes—not the rhythm.
Sound familiar? If so, it’s time we talk about multitasking and how it affects us in the long run.
What is multitasking and why it feels like it helps
Multitasking means doing several tasks at the same time or in rapid succession. It feels like a superpower. You feel productive. You feel busy. You think you’re being efficient.
But research says otherwise. The human brain is not built for constant multitasking. In fact, when you frequently switch between tasks, your ability to focus decreases. This mental energy drain builds up. Without realizing it, we become tired and frustrated.
Instead of finishing tasks faster, we end up more exhausted.
How multitasking affects work quality
When juggling many tasks, mistakes happen.
You’re quickly writing a message to a parent while grading a paper and answering student questions. The result? A wrongly recorded grade or a harsher tone than intended.
Multitasking reduces clarity. And when working with people—especially children—clarity is vital. A rushed decision can strain a relationship with a student or colleague. The quality of interactions drops when you’re not fully present in a single activity. Students can sense when you’re “in a hurry,” even if your voice is calm.
The effects of multitasking on body and mind
Doing many things at once may seem normal, but your body feels otherwise. Muscle tension, headaches, or deep fatigue are clear signs. The brain uses more energy when constantly switching between tasks. Cortisol—the stress hormone—rises with the feeling of constant agitation.
Over time, chronic multitasking leads to burnout, anxiety, and decreased job satisfaction. Even sleep suffers. The mind can’t “switch off” from the stream of unfinished tasks.
Why we feel guilty when we don’t do everything
Here’s an interesting paradox: the more you do, the more you feel it’s not enough.
Teachers tend to be perfectionists—by nature or by system. If you take a break, it feels like lost time. If you say “no” to a task, it feels like a lack of dedication. This guilt perpetuates the cycle of multitasking.
But the truth is simple: you’re not a task-completing machine. You’re a human who needs mental space. Stress management begins by recognizing that “more” doesn’t always mean “better.”
Simple strategies to reduce multitasking
You don’t have to change everything at once. But you can start with small, practical steps:
- Consciously prioritize
Make a list in the morning and choose 3 essential tasks. The rest are optional.
Not everything is urgent. Learn to rank tasks in the right order. - Set focused time blocks
Choose 20–30 minutes without interruptions for one task.
Turn off notifications, close the door, shut down your 10 browser tabs.
Then take a short break. Your body and mind will thank you. - Say “No” without guilt
It’s okay to decline tasks when it’s too much.
Explain it respectfully but firmly. Clear boundaries prevent burnout. - Don’t forget real breaks
Step outside for 5 minutes between classes. Listen to a song. Take a deep breath.
Short breaks don’t mean laziness—they mean recharging.
Create a “breathing space” in your day
- It could be a corner in the teacher’s lounge or a 10-minute pause between activities.
- It might be a short journal entry about what you accomplished today.
- Or simply a hallway walk without your phone in hand.
- Create your own “reset moment.”
No multitasking. No rush. Just you and your breath. These moments may seem unimportant, but they make the difference between “I’m okay” and “I can’t take this anymore.”
Be present, not perfect
Multitasking isn’t a sign of competence—it’s a symptom of a system that constantly demands more. But you can consciously choose to slow the pace. To be present in a conversation. To grade a paper without rushing. To reply to a message after a deep breath—not while doing three other things.
Stress management starts with the decision to give yourself attention. And yes, you are enough even when you choose to do just one thing at a time.