Your computer is great at multitasking. You can write articles while performing downloads or scan for viruses as you send e-mail.

But your brain is not programmed that way. So beware of trying to do two things at once, especially if they are complex or require your undivided attention.

Studies indicate a drop in efficiency between 30 percent and 50 percent on the individual tasks performed while multitasking.

Conclusion: Don't Multi-task. Do things serially not in parallel.

Joe Peraino, Ph.D. works as a professional coach and psychologist. Contact him at joe@joeperaino.com.