The Pomodoro Technique is a technique designed to bolster productivity in a way that won’t leave you exhausted and cuddling the coffee pot in the break room. Most people can only work for so long before walls pop up and obstacles combine in the mind and create anxiety. The Pomodoro Technique allows you to come up for air and keep a clear head by prioritizing natural human behavior and health.
Created in the early 90's by developer, entrepreneur and author Francesco Cirillo, the Pomodoro Technique takes large tasks and fractures the work into regimented bursts separated by brief breaks in between. This method encourages your brain to focus in productive sprints while also rewarding it with the respite it needs. Look at the breaks as a way to recharge your motivation, creativity and attention span. Or think about your brain as a high-performance race car. Without a pitstop, even the best engine is destined to blowout.
The beauty of the Pomodoro Technique lies in its simplicity; all you need is a timer. On top of the one built into your phone, there are dozens of apps designed for this specific purpose and plenty of kitschy manual timers in which the physical winding can create a subliminal commitment...like this one shaped like a hamburger.
Once that’s sorted, you’re ready to master your deadlines in five simple steps:
1. Choose a task to be accomplished
2. Set the timer to 25 minutes
3. Work on that task and nothing but until the timer rings
4. Take a short break (5 minutes)
5. Repeat 4 times then take an extended break (15-30 minutes)
You’d be surprised by how many ideas come once you step back from what you’re working on. While the breaks are meant to be just that, breaks, they often turn into exploratory opportunities in which your brain is allowed to see the totality of what you’re working on and scout alternative paths.
If you schedule downtime to be creative and brainstorm you’ll find your mind wandering less when during the time it should be focusing. The Pomodoro Technique helps because it allows you to work with time, not against it.
At AdvantEdge, our facilities have much and more to cater to this productive method. Power through your objectives in one of our many private offices or technologically-powered conference rooms. Come break time, our lounges and cafes are stocked with vending machines and fair-trade coffee. Our in-house putting green is perfect for refocusing your brain on something recreational and when that extended break rolls around, our coveted Meditation Room provides a tranquil space for a massage or inconspicuous nap.
Contact one of our service representatives and see how we can help you accomplish your goals!
