I think for a lot of people, myself included, it can be hard to focus for long periods of time while working. Your head feels heavy, your brain cluttered, and your hands are ever so tempted to just pick up that phone and play some games!
Not only that, but working for long periods of time like that is also damaging to your productivity itself. So if you’re someone who has lots of stuff to do, but struggles to focus for long periods of time, the Pomodoro Technique might be for you.
If you don’t know what it is, essentially the Pomodoro Technique is a time management technique that consists of a working period and a break period, usually 25 minutes and 5 minutes. For 25 minutes, you sit down and focus on your work, no distractions, until your 5 minute break, and after a couple Pomodoro sessions, you take a longer break, maybe 10 or 15 minutes.
Personally, I’ve found this technique to be a lifesaver on those nights when I have an essay due at 7:45 AM and it’s 3:00 AM. (I had a bit too many of those last year than I was comfortable with.)
Pomodoro-ing helps you focus over long periods of time, while still indulging the part of your brain that needs to relax.
During Pomodoro breaks, I like to refill my water bottle, decide what I’m going to accomplish in the next Pomodoro session, and play a couple levels of a game like Flow Free or check social media. It’s a good way to take your mind off of work for a bit.
I also recommend Pomodoro-ing with a friend! Back before quarantine, my friends and I would meet up at the library, or at a cafe or something, and we’d do some work together, mostly using this method. Set a timer for the group and get to work, and then during your 5 minute break you can chit-chat with one another, since company makes everything better.
Hopefully this technique helps you out with any work you might have to do, and also keeps your brain from turning to mush too! Best of luck with your work endeavors.
