ADHD and Multitasking: Trusting Your Brain's Weird Workflow
Multitasking or Chaos? Sometimes It's Both
Okay, so picture this: I’m playing a video game while two YouTube videos are running—one on my laptop, one on my phone—and maybe there’s music faintly in the background. Sounds ridiculous to some, right? But for me? That’s peace. That’s flow. That’s actually when my brain feels most alive.
If you’ve got ADHD, you probably know what I mean. Multitasking isn’t just some quirky habit—it can feel like the only way to stay locked in. But then, you hear everyone saying it’s bad. That it’s ruining your focus, shortening your attention span, melting your brain, blah blah blah.
Here’s the truth: your brain is different. And multitasking doesn’t have to be toxic if it’s intentional and actually helping you function better.
Should You Be Worried About Multitasking?
Short answer? Not always. I think a lot of the guilt we feel around multitasking comes from trying to live by neurotypical standards. There’s this societal obsession with doing one thing at a time, doing it perfectly, and feeling like a monk while doing it.
But for many of us with ADHD, doing just one thing at a time actually hurts our focus. It can be too quiet, too slow, too... boring. Our brains thrive on stimulation. It’s why we might play music while working or watch a show while doing chores. It’s why Dopamine Hacks for ADHD are even a thing. Because our brains need to be engaged—and sometimes that means juggling five sensory inputs just to stay grounded.
There’s Research… But Take It with a Grain of Salt
Look, I get it. There’s a ton of research out there warning about the downsides of multitasking. But here's the thing: most of that research is based on neurotypical brains. And while that’s useful info for a lot of people, it’s not always the full picture when it comes to neurodivergent minds.
I found this article on How to Harness Neurodiversity really refreshing. It digs into how multitasking, when done intentionally, can actually be helpful for people with ADHD. It’s not about throwing productivity out the window—it’s about finding what actually works for your brain, even if it looks “wrong” to others.
Self-Reflection Is Your Superpower
I’m not here to tell you that playing YouTube on three devices while gaming is the pinnacle of productivity. I’m just saying, if that setup helps you function, then don’t feel ashamed about it.
The real key? Check in with yourself regularly. Ask yourself:
- Is this setup helping me feel more engaged and focused?
- Am I actually enjoying or benefiting from these inputs, or am I numbing out?
- Could I adjust my multitasking style to serve me better?
If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, pivot. But stop assuming that what works for others should work for you. You’re not broken—you’re just wired differently.
Permission to Be Weird (Productively)
Here’s your permission slip: if your multitasking helps you function, go ahead and keep doing it. You’re not less disciplined. You’re not failing. You’re working with the brain you’ve got—and that’s something to be proud of.
So go on. Let the videos play. Let the music blast. Let the chaos be productive. Just make sure it's the right kind of chaos for you.