# Context switching Context-switching is one of the worst productivity killers. Each time we go from one idea, task or problem to another, a new [[Mental context]] gets created or re-created. Since we have a very limited working memory, our brain is unable to keep track of it all at once. It just creates the _illusion_ of doing so. Unfortunately, **switching between mental contexts is _really_ costly** and takes time. That's why interruptions, including when our attention is taken away by another open loop, are so damaging to our productivity, beyond causing anxiety and stress. Note that [[Context switching is not an idempotent operation]]. [[The more open loops we have, the more our attention will be taken away, and the more context switches our brain will have to perform. Each one of those is a tax we keep paying for as long as those open loops remain]]. ## Related - [[Productivity (MoC)]] - [[Worst productivity killers]] - [[Flow State Optimization (FSO)]]