At work, the last thing you want to do is take a break. Your to-do list is a mile long. I get it. I've been studying productivity for years (trying everything) but put off taking regular, timed breaks. Who has the time?
Last week the Pomodoro technique blew my mind: I magically accomplished more and stayed energized. Hail the power of breaks!
How it works: Work in 25-minute blocks (called pomodoros). At the end of each, you take a break -- 5 minutes after the first two and 15 minutes (or longer) after the third.
Knowing you only have 25 minutes to work on a task forces you to focus and minimize distractions. Also, forced breaks prevent the frazzled burn out that most of us feel at the end of the day. Breaks have been proven to sustain your performance throughout the day and prevent mistakes.
I've been spending my breaks stretching, going outside and meditating. It feels luxurious. Try it for a work session today! I've found this Chrome extension to be a helpful timer.
