A few weeks ago we wrote about the concept of “pulsing and resting,” throughout the work day; actually taking breaks from work in order to get more done (and do better work!). One of our readers introduced us to the Pomodoro Technique, (names after a tomato-shaped timer) which is based on this very idea and provides a specific method:
- Choose a task to be accomplished
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Work on the task until the timer rings
- Take a short break (5 minutes is OK)
- Every 4 cycles take a longer break
Related posts: the rich rewards of an unplanned day
david allen’s potent questions for a new year
4-step algorithm for change
what’s the perfect desk (for you)?
how to do more in less time: pulse and rest
Really intrigued that you find this works. I am not sure why it would prevent one from doing many things at once during the 25 minutes, but will certainly explore. Am so in need of such a device, for both mental, and, in my case, also physical, breaks.Maybe I will actually listen when it goes off. That would be a real novelty for a writer. Am going to repost on Facebook. (By the way, I assume you know, but, just in case you don’t, that there are similar things that can appear on your screen and can be set to tell you to take a break, or, in desperate cases, where you have to override your own bad instincts, will actually freeze your screen for a set amount of time.)