There’s something powerful about realizing what your brain truly needs. Recently, I downsized from two computer monitors to one because I noticed how difficult it was to stay focused on a single task. I didn’t understand why it felt so overwhelming until I did a bit of research — and everything clicked into place.
According to an article from Brown University, our brains are not built for multitasking. We are designed to be monotaskers, focusing on one thing at a time with intention and clarity. Reading that, I immediately understood why I need total quiet or soft, lyric-free music to work, why interruptions derail my flow, and why jumping between screens felt mentally exhausting.
An article in Psychology Today explains that multitasking can worsen symptoms commonly associated with ADHD. While I haven’t been formally diagnosed, many of the symptoms line up with my lived experience — especially the difficulty switching tasks without losing momentum. For the first time, I realized that the struggle wasn’t a personal flaw… it was biology.
What Science Tells Us About the Benefits of Monotasking
Using the benefits of monotasking as a framework, research shows that our brains perform significantly better when they’re not forced to split attention. Multitasking reduces efficiency, increases mental fatigue, and overwhelms neural pathways that rely on focus and consistency.
When I removed my second monitor, I noticed:
Less pressure to “do more at once”
Fewer distractions pulling my attention
More intentional time with each task
It wasn’t about the number of screens — it was about giving my brain the environment it needed to operate at its best.
Why Multitasking Can Feel Impossible (Especially If You Relate to ADHD Symptoms)
If your attention is easily disrupted, multitasking can intensify that feeling. Psychology Today highlights how task-switching increases cognitive load, drains energy, and creates a constant sense of starting over.
This can look like:
Losing your train of thought
Feeling mentally “foggy”
Becoming overstimulated
Needing silence or controlled sound to focus
Switching to single-task focus (and yes, even a single monitor!) can make a world of difference.
Simple Ways to Move Away From Multitasking
If you’re used to juggling everything at once, shifting to monotasking takes practice. Here are steps to help your brain adjust:
1. Reduce Visual Clutter
Limit open monitor windows, screens, or tabs to only what you’re working on.
2. Use “Focus Tools”
Soft, lyric-free music or quiet earbuds help set the tone for deep concentration.
3. Create Task Blocks
Work in 25–45 minute sessions with short breaks in between. This reduces overwhelm.
4. Turn Off Non-Essential Notifications
Anything that pulls your eyes or mind away chips at your energy.
5. Finish Before You Switch
Whenever possible, complete a task before starting another. If that’s not possible, write down exactly where you left off.
6. Give Yourself Permission to Work Differently
The world praises multitasking, but your brain may function better with focused simplicity.g — but your brain may function better with focused simplicity.
Join the conversation,
Downsizing to one monitor wasn’t about becoming “less capable.” It was about honoring how my brain works best. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, constantly interrupted, or mentally scattered, exploring the benefits of monotasking might be the shift you need too.
If this post resonates with you, share it with someone who may need it.
As you go about your day, take care, be well, trust your journey, and remember to live everyday life very simple. I’ll see you next Monday 🙂