Meditation can Increase Concentration- especially when Multitasking
A recent study (The Effects of Mindfulness Meditation Training on Multitasking in a High-Stress Information Environment, 2012) shows that practicing mindfulness meditation can help people stay on task longer with fewer distractions and also improves memory and reduces stress.
The Experiment
Three groups of Human Resource managers were tested on their ability to multitask. All were given an initial round of testing. The first group was then given 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation training, the second an 8 week course in body relaxation and the third group served as the control group and received no treatment. The groups were retested to check the effects of each treatment and later the control group was also given the same 8 week mindfulness meditation course. Researchers evaluated participant’s speed, accuracy and the extent to which they switched between tasks. Participants were also assessed for stress levels, memory, mood, and fatigue.
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Results
The study found that the mindfulness meditation group concentrated for longer without distraction and spent less time switching between tasks than before they received the training. This demonstrated an increase in their “focused attention” – the ability to notice a distraction but stay focused. No change occurred in the body relaxation and control groups. Researchers also saw an increase in the memory scores for both the meditation group and the body relaxation group. They concluded that this increase in memory was due to lower stress levels (other studies conducted in the past have also proven this) or a better ability to handle stress.
Although all participants found the multitasking assignment to be stressful, the meditation group showed fewer indications of a negative mood and fatigue after the assignment whereas the control group and the body relaxation group reported no noteworthy decrease. Participants in the control group followed the pattern of lower negativity after they received the mindfulness training. In terms of stress, the mindfulness mediation group reported lower stress levels than did the relaxation group. The researchers conjectured that relaxation focuses mainly on the body whereas mindfulness meditation reduces stress by raising levels of perceived competence, thereby making individuals better able to handle tasks. In addition, mindfulness meditators were better able to handle their emotions.
Workplace Implications
The ability to concentrate at work is key. However, the constant distractions and interruptions make it exceptionally difficult. In addition, the brain’s braking system, responsible for inhibiting those distractions, is very weak and tires easily. This explains why it’s a constant battle to resist checking email or listening to voice mail messages while doing other work. This study demonstrates the benefits of mindfulness meditation in maintaining concentration, especially when multitasking.
