Stop Procrastinating, Stay Focused & Increase Productivity

On average, it is estimated that human beings have an attention span of about 10 minutes (Brain Rules, John Medina). This book (excellent & highly recommended) was published in 2008 and I would estimate that people’s attention span is much shorter now, 12 years later. Regardless, as we are all stuck at home, feeling lethargic, unproductive and uninspired, we can still try and make the most of our time. Introducing The Pomodoro Technique.

Benefits:

• Avoid distractions

• Increased productivity

• Accurately assess how much you can get done in a day

Pomodoro Technique is a productivity strategy: Work for 25 minutes undisturbed and then take a 5 minute break after.

• Each 25 minute work session = 1 Pomodoro

• After 4 pomodoros, take a longer break (15-30 minutes) before starting another Pomodoro

Tips:

1. Try to plan out your Pomodoros for the day in advance

   • See how many meetings, appointments and calls are already scheduled and see how many Pomodoros you can fit in throughout the day. 

   • Block your schedule in 30 minute increments on your calendar and label Pomodoro 1, Pomodoro 2, etc).

   • Then look at your tasks for the day and label them into Pomodoros you have blocked off.

2. Use a timer (productive minutes and break minutes)

3. Cut out distractions and stay focused during Pomodoro

   • Put phone on airplane mode/close out tabs you are not using

   • Try noise cancelling headphones

   • Have a notebook at hand of putting down thoughts or questions that pop up in your head that is unessential to your task at hand. Come back to it at a later time

4. Actually take your breaks and be productive

   • Lie down on the floor and do some breathing exercises. Go into gentle mobility exercises with breathing.

   • Do a more stimulating exercise. Maybe do a quick circuit of exercises including squats, push ups, and jumping jacks (if you’re not on a walk up). 

5. Customize your Pomodoro and make it your own

   • I’ve been utilizing 45 minutes productive minutes and 10-15 minute breaks

   • Most important is structured productive minutes AND actual breaks

No matter who you are in the world, we all have 24 hours in a day. This has been a great productivity tool for me and I wanted to share it with you all. Please share with everyone who you think might benefit from this. Make the most of your day!