By Maria Lianos

The other day, I wrote a post about suffering internet withdrawal while on vacation.

Upon my return, I read this article: “Hooked on Gadgets, and Paying a Mental Price”

As soon as I started reading, it hit me:  “that’s me.”

“Scientists say juggling e-mail, phone calls and other incoming information can change how people think and behave. They say our ability to focus is being undermined by bursts of information…

While many people say multitasking makes them more productive, research shows otherwise. Heavy multitaskers actually have more trouble focusing and shutting out irrelevant information, scientists say, and they experience more stress.”

I consider myself to be a pretty good multitasker.  Most moms are… they have to be.  We can make dinner, Tweet, talk on the phone and deal with our kids all at the same time.

At times under stress, I am more productive.  Even though the stress may be apparent (when I’m heard yelling, “Go to your room, NOW!!!” and when noon can’t come soon enough), I thrive on it. 

But then there are those days when I am completely overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done.  The endless list of things-to-do stares me in the face.  Not knowing where to begin, the multitasking expert I usually am becomes counter-productive and I end up doing nothing at all.

Blogging, Facebook, Twitter, online forums… do you often feel overwhelmed trying to stay on top of everything?  Do you feel like if you’re away for a few days with no internet access, you’d miss something?

Do you think that multitasking is making you counter-productive and causing you more harm than good?

I’d love to hear your thoughts!