Why You Need More ‘Transition Time’ Between Tasks - By A Psychologist
Forbes • • health
Key Points:
- People differ in their need for transition time between activities due to how their brains manage attention, regulate energy, and shift identities, making transitions neurological events rather than just logistical ones.
- Higher transition costs occur when the brain struggles to disengage from a previous task, especially if it was emotionally heavy or incomplete, causing slower performance and increased mental effort on the next task.
- Physiological factors also play a role, as the nervous system requires time to recalibrate after different activities; individuals with higher sensory sensitivity or baseline stress often need longer to reset, making micro-breaks essential for reducing fatigue and improving well-being.
- Transitioning involves shifting psychological roles, not just tasks, requiring mental adjustments that protect self-concept clarity and prevent emotional
