🍱 How to Task Batch

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This week: We’re gonna run through task batching — what it is, why it’s so effective, and how to use it to get more done this week and beyond. Let’s jump in!

🍱 First, What’s Task Batching?

Task batching is grouping similar tasks together and completing them in one focused time period.

This method is so effective because it works with your brain instead of against it.

Your brain loves patterns — and it hates multi-tasking and context switching.

That’s why it’s so hard to stay focused when you’re doing lots of things at the same time, or switching between different tasks in a short period.

Task batching keeps you focused on one thing at a time, helping you get more done and avoid overwhelm.

Keep scrolling for 4 ways to incorporate task batching into your routine this week, plus a couple examples:

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Now, here’s a quick look at task batching in practice:

🥊 Task Batching Examples

Here are a couple examples of how to apply task batching at work, school, and home.

• ✉️ Emails — Process your unread and important emails at the same time for a tidy inbox and a clear mind

• 🙇 Studying — Focus on one topic or subject at a time (for example, completing all your biology homework and reading in one batch)

• 🧹 Cleaning — Work on one task at a time, like picking up all the trash before moving on to the dishes

Now that you know what task batching looks like, let’s explore a few ways to make it work for you

💪 How to Use Task Batching

If you’re keen to try task batching this week, here’s how to get started:

🧠 Start with a Brain Dump

Before you start, clear your mind by doing a brain dump.

Write down all the tasks you need to complete, no matter how big or small.

Once you have everything listed, you can group similar tasks by:

• Categorizing tasks by priority or type

• Using color coding to differentiate between tasks

• Adding headers to group similar tasks together

This first step helps you visualize your workload, and makes it easier to batch similar tasks together.

🏃‍♀️ Keep Sessions Short

There’s a big difference between:

• Pausing your work sesh after 5 minutes to check social media because you’re unmotivated and are procrastinating, and

• Taking a break after 30 minutes of working because your focus is depleted and you need a break to recharge

Your brain can only stay focused on a task for about 2 hours max. So if your task-batching sessions are longer than that, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment.

Itemize your to-do lists by breaking big tasks down into smaller steps, and take breaks to keep your brain operating at peak performance.

🔕 Minimize Distractions

Distractions are one of the biggest hurdles for effective task-batching, so you’ll need to come prepared:

• Set timers

• Use Do Not Disturb mode on your devices

• Close unnecessary tabs and apps

• Use app blockers

• Tell others that you’re in a focused work session

• Use noise-canceling headphones or play white noise

🧘 Stay Mindful

Pay attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations while working. Notice when you’re tempted to stop or procrastinate.

Ask yourself:

• How am I feeling right now?

• Is there anything my body needs, like a healthy snack, water, or some movement?

If you have any unmet needs, take a break to refuel or journal it out. This will make it much easier to get back on track.

🪅 Flocus Picks

A curated list of things worth sharing.

• Maximize Your Productivity with Task Batching (YouTube) — Tim Ferriss walks you through how to get started with task batching.

• Spring Clean Your To-Do List (Guide) — This free guide from Full Focus helps you clear the clutter from your to-do list so you can focus on what matters.

• Summer Lofi Playlist (Spotify) — Make this chill yet upbeat playlist the soundtrack to your summer!

🖥️ Flocus: All-in-One Dashboard

Get started with task batching with Flocus, your personal productivity dash! Featuring customizable timers, playlists, and backgrounds to keep you in the zone.

Open in Browser

Task batching is one of our favorite methods for focused work. Try it out this week, and let us know how you get on!

Until next Sunday,

Flocus Team