Everyone says don’t multi-task – I’ve always said the same thing too, it’s always more effective to focus on one task at a time, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Is there a way to effectively multi-task?

Yes, by switching. You still focus on one task at a time as long as you’re 100% engaged in it. Once you get distracted or start getting bored and losing focus switch to your other high-priority task. Stay engaged with that for as long as possible and then switch back to the other priority – perhaps the next day after a good night’s rest. The key is to remain productive at all times.