Pomodoro Technique and Results Curve: Why Taking the 5 Minute Break Is Important
Over the past few months, I've been utilizing two systems for time management: Pomodoro Technique and Results Curve.
These processes, as a whole, have given me an opportunity for greater focus on the all important task of the moment for markedly extended stretches of time.
Essentially, both systems compel me to harness my ADD and pay attention.
I've discovered as well that taking part in the process enables me to take much-needed breaks from work with much more regularity.
After a period of productivity equaling either 25 minutes (Pomodoro) or 40 minutes (Results Curve) - depending on which process you're following - I am conscious of the need for a momentary timeout.
The duration and nature of the respite is dependent upon which system is receiving closer attention.
They both agree, however, that regularly scheduled breaks are vital to sustaining a high productivity level and that break time is specifically not the time to think about the work at hand.
Pomodoro suggests two break times in its technique.
To start, a timeout between 3 and 5 minutes after the first three 25-minute work periods, and a lengthier 15-30 minute rest following session number four.
Results Curve, however, features one kind of break time only, one equaling 10-30 minutes once a 40-minute work period is complete.
The kind of break you use depends upon the amount of time you're comfortable investing in a work period.
If shorter bursts of work time increase your effectiveness, then the short-long breaks featured in the Pomodoro Technique are worth a try.
For those more comfortable with longer work blocks, give yourself a prolonged timeout following each work period.
The Pomodoro Technique teaches that a break of 3-5 minutes duration gives one just enough time for that necessary "disconnect" from work, and allows the mind to refresh itself and return renewed.
Stretch your muscles, walk briskly, grab something to drink; offer your brain some momentary relief and remove yourself from all work-centered thinking.
Stay away from whatever might be mentally taxing and, most importantly, do not allow your thoughts to return to the work at hand.
Give in to that temptation and you're no longer on a break.
Pomodoro's break of 15-30 minutes or the Results Curve 10-30 break is prime time to take an invigorating mini-vacation from those duties and responsibilities clamoring for your attention.
Let it all go, just for a little while, both physically and mentally.
Get out of that "workspace" -- literally and figuratively -- and find a place to daydream, search for a fish pond to gaze into or a bird feeder to occupy your thoughts for the length of your mini-getaway.
Sleep experts endorse micro-naps to boost energy levels and help with sleeplessness; you can supercharge your productivity much the same way, with your micro-vacations! After a much-needed mental time-out, you'll find a new reservoir of energy and newly sharpened focus upon returning to your task.
Since a recent goal is to make myself more limber, I'm especially focused on regular stretching.
These valuable rest periods have made achieving a wider range of goals possible within my workday when, before, it seemed impossible to find the time.
Try these processes for yourself.
I'll be curious to know how effective they are for you.
All in all, allowing brief breaks as a regular part of your work schedule is key to increasing your personal productivity.
And during your break, take a look at our new app, Scrubly, a productivity promoter from BluCapp.
It's an online service for automatic removal of your address book's duplicate contacts.
Try it out! I'm anxious to hear what you think!
These processes, as a whole, have given me an opportunity for greater focus on the all important task of the moment for markedly extended stretches of time.
Essentially, both systems compel me to harness my ADD and pay attention.
I've discovered as well that taking part in the process enables me to take much-needed breaks from work with much more regularity.
After a period of productivity equaling either 25 minutes (Pomodoro) or 40 minutes (Results Curve) - depending on which process you're following - I am conscious of the need for a momentary timeout.
The duration and nature of the respite is dependent upon which system is receiving closer attention.
They both agree, however, that regularly scheduled breaks are vital to sustaining a high productivity level and that break time is specifically not the time to think about the work at hand.
Pomodoro suggests two break times in its technique.
To start, a timeout between 3 and 5 minutes after the first three 25-minute work periods, and a lengthier 15-30 minute rest following session number four.
Results Curve, however, features one kind of break time only, one equaling 10-30 minutes once a 40-minute work period is complete.
The kind of break you use depends upon the amount of time you're comfortable investing in a work period.
If shorter bursts of work time increase your effectiveness, then the short-long breaks featured in the Pomodoro Technique are worth a try.
For those more comfortable with longer work blocks, give yourself a prolonged timeout following each work period.
The Pomodoro Technique teaches that a break of 3-5 minutes duration gives one just enough time for that necessary "disconnect" from work, and allows the mind to refresh itself and return renewed.
Stretch your muscles, walk briskly, grab something to drink; offer your brain some momentary relief and remove yourself from all work-centered thinking.
Stay away from whatever might be mentally taxing and, most importantly, do not allow your thoughts to return to the work at hand.
Give in to that temptation and you're no longer on a break.
Pomodoro's break of 15-30 minutes or the Results Curve 10-30 break is prime time to take an invigorating mini-vacation from those duties and responsibilities clamoring for your attention.
Let it all go, just for a little while, both physically and mentally.
Get out of that "workspace" -- literally and figuratively -- and find a place to daydream, search for a fish pond to gaze into or a bird feeder to occupy your thoughts for the length of your mini-getaway.
Sleep experts endorse micro-naps to boost energy levels and help with sleeplessness; you can supercharge your productivity much the same way, with your micro-vacations! After a much-needed mental time-out, you'll find a new reservoir of energy and newly sharpened focus upon returning to your task.
Since a recent goal is to make myself more limber, I'm especially focused on regular stretching.
These valuable rest periods have made achieving a wider range of goals possible within my workday when, before, it seemed impossible to find the time.
Try these processes for yourself.
I'll be curious to know how effective they are for you.
All in all, allowing brief breaks as a regular part of your work schedule is key to increasing your personal productivity.
And during your break, take a look at our new app, Scrubly, a productivity promoter from BluCapp.
It's an online service for automatic removal of your address book's duplicate contacts.
Try it out! I'm anxious to hear what you think!
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