In a professional kitchen, no chef prepares a steak, a cake, and a casserole simultaneously with all the ingredients scattered across the counter. There’s a method: one recipe at a time, with only the ingredients needed for that specific dish.

The same principle applies to how we work, especially in the digital world. Every time we open multiple browser tabs in the name of “productivity,” we’re setting ourselves up for distraction. One tab for email, one for research, another for the calendar, and soon our screen resembles a digital junk drawer. It might feel like we’re staying on top of things, but more often, we’re just scattering our focus.

Studies consistently find that task switching—even something as simple as glancing at another tab—drains mental energy, increases the likelihood of errors, and prolongs the time it takes to complete tasks.

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