National Single Tasking Day (February 22)
National Single Tasking Day on February 22 is a reminder that doing one thing well often beats doing ten things badly.
We’re constantly told to multitask, juggle tabs, and answer messages while half-listening to conversations. This holiday flips that idea on its head and encourages you to slow down, focus, and give one task your full attention.
It’s surprisingly refreshing.
When is the Holiday?
This quirky February day is observed annually on February 22nd. It’s a perfect excuse to pause the chaos and work through your to-do list one task at a time.
Who Invented It?
There’s no official founder, but the day likely grew out of productivity and mindfulness movements.
As research started showing how harmful constant task-switching can be, single-tasking became a quiet rebellion against hustle culture. Think of it as the anti-multitasking holiday.
The History of the Holiday
Single-tasking isn’t new, it’s actually how humans worked for centuries before phones, emails, and notifications existed.
The idea gained traction in the early 2000s when psychologists began studying attention span and focus. Research showed that multitasking doesn’t make us faster, it actually makes us less efficient and more stressed.
As work became more digital, people started noticing burnout, brain fog, and constant distraction. Productivity experts began promoting deep work, time blocking, and focused attention, all rooted in single-tasking.
Eventually, Single Task Day emerged as a way to encourage people to reclaim their focus, even if just for one day.
Top 5 Facts About the Holiday
- Multitasking can reduce productivity by up to 40%, according to Stanford research.
- The average person checks their phone 96 times a day, about once every 10 minutes.
- Task-switching burns mental energy, making you feel tired faster.
- Single-tasking improves memory because your brain actually stores what you’re doing.
- People who work in focused blocks report higher job satisfaction and less burnout.experiences using dedicated hashtags.
Coloring Page
Celebrate Single Tasking Day with a free printable coloring page that encourages kids (and adults) to slow down, focus, and enjoy one peaceful activity at a time.
Activities to Celebrate
- Try time blocking – Set a 30–60 minute timer and focus on just one task. No tabs. No scrolling.
- Put your phone in another room – Out of sight really does help.
- Eat without screens – Actually taste your food (wild concept, I know).
- Have a single-task walk – No podcasts, no texting, just walk and think.
- Write by hand – Journaling or planning on paper keeps you present.
- Finish something small – One email, one load of laundry, one chapter. That’s a win.
Links to Resources
- Time blocking schedule free printable – A simple layout to plan your day in focused chunks instead of endless lists.
- To do list post it notes printable – Great for visual planners who like moving tasks from “to do” to “done.”
- How to be productive using the Eisenhower Method – Learn how to separate what’s urgent from what actually matters so you stop busywork.
Related Holidays
- Ditch New Year’s Resolutions Day (January 17) – Encourages letting go of unrealistic goals and pressure.
- National Napping Day – (Monday after Daylight Savings) – A perfect excuse to slow down and rest.
- National Lazy Day – (August 10) – Celebrates taking it easy and doing less.
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