Performing several tasks at the same time is called multitasking. When done well, it can help you save time and get more done. For instance, a person might take notes while listening to a lecture or answer emails during a phone call. However, multitasking can also have downsides. Your mind can get sidetracked, and the quality of your work might suffer if you don't give it your full attention. That's why it's important to balance multitasking with focused effort to complete tasks both quickly and well.