The difference between ‘work’ and ‘productive work’ is the quality of focus and depth of concentration. Amidst the ocean of distractions and disturbances, the ‘deep focus’ island is more difficult nowadays than ever before.
In the world of push notifications and social media feeds, finding this island of ‘deep focus’ is only becoming rare and oblivious. This calls for some conscious and explicit efforts to inculcate the habit of ‘concentrating’. In the ambience resonating with the buzzword “multi-tasking”, one needs to be reminded of the relevance and requirement of ‘one task at a time’.
Pomodoro Technique
One of the most widely accepted and proven techniques to train oneself for such focussed attention is the POMODORO TECHNIQUE. The underlying idea is to break down the ‘large’ into ‘small’ and ‘complex’ into ‘simple’. It helps in the management of time and getting the maximum output from the limited time available at one’s disposal.
Put simply, it involves working in defined time slots with zero or near zero distraction. These time slots are separated by the intervals of smaller breaks.
Types of Pomodoro Technique
Based on the duration of work sessions, the Pomodoro Technique can be of two types.
The 25-5 Session
In this type, the work session continues for 25 minutes, followed by a break of 5 minutes. In one go, try to complete four iterations of such sessions, then take a longer break of 20-30 minutes.
The 50-10 Session
In this type, the work session continues for 50 minutes, followed by a break of 10 minutes. In one go, try to complete two iterations of such sessions, then take a longer break of 20-30 minutes.
Utilising Break
During the break, one can simply take a sip of water, stand up for a few minutes or do the basic body stretching. Simple as they sound, these small things actually do wonders in giving the mind and body a much-needed break and also recharging us for the next work session.
The longer break of 20-30 minutes can be taken after some iteration of these sessions. One can perform task-stacking during these long breaks – including other activities like meal breaks, family time, cooking time, etc., in these long breaks.
Task stacking is the process where the time between two activity/ work slots is utilised to do some additional activity which is lighter, yet essential. Like, after having four iterations of Pomodoro, utilising the long break to prepare the meal or clean the room.
Which Type is Best for You?
The purpose of Pomodoro is to train oneself for the focussed attention in smaller time slots, as sitting for a longer duration is difficult for many, especially those venturing into a new job, commitment or endeavour. So, for the early beginners, it is better to start with the 25-5 sessions and then eventually shift towards the 50-10 sessions.
How does it maximise productivity?
By regularly training the mind to give focussed attention on one specific task for the pre-known period, one can actually internalise the habit of getting the most done in the same amount of time as the mind has qualitatively more time to focus on that particular work.
Another important aspect is the frequent breaks. Taking breaks in between somehow gives the feeling that any random thought that might appear during the work session can be dealt with later during the breaks. Besides, the mental and physical benefits of breaking the continuous ‘sitting’ period are also well validated.
Who can make the most of it?
Well, anyone engaged in any activity that requires the dedicated attention of mind, creative thinking or solitary analysis can make use of Pomodoro. It not only promises peak productivity but also gives a deeper sense of fulfilment with much less mental exhaustion.
Students working on their assignments, journalists writing an important article, writers writing books, working professionals preparing presentations or engrossed in some important piece of coding, college students working on projects or writing essays and reports – in short, anyone and everyone whose work demands dedicated attention.
First Impression is not always the Last Impression
If you are trying it for the first time, it is possible that you might still get distracted. Even then, keep repeating it regularly to see the wonders it can bring. Some real wonders do take time and regularity! Wanna try one such session?
You can refer to a list of such Pomodoro sessions on our YouTube channel. Click here.
Some motivational quotes to help in your journey.
