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title: Task Switching
modified: 2026-08-12
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≈ Context Switching

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# Why Task Switching Is So Costly

Every task we perform is held in [working memory](working-memory.md), the brain’s limited scratchpad. When we switch, the brain has to shift focus from one task to another and the new task has to be loaded in while the previous one is still occupying mental space — a lingering effect [Sophie Leroy](https://www.google.com/search?q=Sophie+Leroy) calls **[attention residue](attention-residue.md)**. The cost shows up in two ways:

* **Time cost.** Re-orienting takes time. For simple tasks the switch cost is a fraction of a second, but for complex, cognitively demanding work it takes minutes to rebuild context — and over 23 minutes to fully re-immerse after a significant interruption.
* **Quality cost.** Performance on the new task suffers: attention is split, error rates rise, and details from the previous task are more likely to slip away.

[The Cost of Interrupted Work](the-cost-of-interrupted-work.md)

# The Transition Period

When transitioning from one task to another, it’s important to have a brief **transition period**, the deliberate pause between task A and task B:

* **Reflect, don’t rush.** During this period, **reflecting** on the previous task and mentally **disengaging** from it, rather than immediately trying to focus on the next task. Spend a few minutes writing a sentence or two about where you left off in task A. This “closes the loop” and lets the mind disengage. Capture any loose ends in your [idea capture inbox](idea-capture-inbox.md) rather than holding them in your head.
* **Move your body.** A short [walk](walk.md), some stretching, or simply standing up helps the brain physically re-set.
* **Guard the gap.** Don’t fill the gap with a new input — _especially your phone_. A phone check is itself a new task, and it loads the brain with novelty and stimuli that make re-engaging in task B even harder.
* **Build in buffers.** When planning your day, schedule 5–10 minute buffers between [blocks](time-blocking.md). Treat the buffer as part of the block, not as wasted time.

# Reduce the Number of Switches

* **Batch similar work.** [Batch emails and text messages](batching-emails-and-text-messages.md) instead of checking them continuously.
* **Protect deep work.** Block uninterrupted time for your most important task and treat it as non-negotiable.
	* [Deep Work](deep-work.md)
	* [Being indistractable is a superpower](being-indistractable-is-superpower.md)
* **Do one thing at a time.** Multitasking is largely a myth; [you can achieve anything if you focus on one thing at a time](you-can-achieve-anything-if-you-focus-on-one-thing-at-a-time.md).
* **Plan in advance.** [Implementation intentions](implementation-intentions.md) and a clear daily plan reduce the decisions and mental load at every transition point.