Get More Done - Take a Break
A while ago I read about "tomato timers" also known as the Pomodoro technique. The theory is that you work for 25 minutes then take a short break. Get up, walk around, leave the room. Then when you get back to your desk you can work smarter. 25 minutes later take another short break. Up to 4 times then take a 15 to 30 minute break.
According to Wikipedia "The method is based on the idea that frequent breaks can improve mental agility." There's more info available there so I encourage you to read what Wikipedia says about it.
So I Googled "tomato timer software" to see what I could find and they all seemed too complex to add into my routine.
Anyway, since my computer crash a month ago all of my programs had to be reinstalled. And some didn't make the cut. Including the tomato timer (because I wasn't using it anyway).
Fast forward. Instead of Googling "tomato timer" I just asked Cortana (the helper you get with Windows 10) "timer" and she/he/it suggested Alarms & Clocks which comes with a timer app.
Instant install and easy to set up.
So I've set up a 'Work' timer for 25 minutes, a 'Break' timer for 5 minutes and a 'Long Break' for 15 minutes.
I hear a pleasant chime when each timer has counted down along with a popup message.
The message here is work smarter not harder.
What techniques are you using to stay mentally alert?
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Yes Marion, wonderful advice, I can go on for hours and wondering why my neck is hurting now. Didnot know about Cortana, thanks for that too, Marion
I had to learn to take breaks when I got inflamed tendons in my wrists back in the 80s. I can really relate to the neck problems.
Yes, I also try to follow this principle. It's good to let the brain recharge and also give some rest to the eyes...Do some excercises or have a cup of tea or coffee. But here we should distinguish between allocated breaks and distractions which make our work harder, not smarter...lol
Sometimes the distractions cause us to take an unscheduled break which can either be good or bad. Thanks for your contribution.
Hi Marion and that is interesting and I agree with the idea as it will help with the thought patterns and creativity - now here is a funny thing because yesterday I started writing my blog so gave it two hours but I kept having interruptions live every thirty minutes the wife need help or the phone rang then the dog needed to go out and seven hours later I finished the blog - BUT was 1065 words with seven pictures and the best blog that I have ever written !!!!
I set the clock for 20 minutes each morning as the first and write everything I can later dishes I bit on it. It works really well for me
What a great idea Marion, I like that one. Currently I try to take breaks by doing something physical helps clear the head, ideas seem to flow .
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I have to ask what has tomato got to do with it?
I have absolutely no idea. It's called the Pomodoro Technique and pomodoro translates to tomato.