Stay Focused using the Pomodoro Technique & Timer

It’s easy to get sidetracked by all the email, blogs & Facebook posts…  We’re in the Age of Endless Information and most of us haven’t figured out how to manage it all. You’re not alone in this struggle…

I stay focused on the important tasks by using The Pomodoro Technique. 

Choose a Pomodoro Timer to use. For Android try Pomodoro Timer Lite (upgrade if you want task list too). For iOS try Be Focused app. For your Computer desktop try Tomato Timer.

Then decide what ONE important task you’re going to work on for 25 minutes, set the timer, do your task, then take a 5-minute break.

Some modifications to try:

• During your break, use the time to do something physical (stretch, walk, wash dishes). It’s important to rest the mind so you can think more clearly. Movement “snacks” are the newest rage in the functional movement field.

• If you’re really focused and want to continue after 25 minutes, you can skip the 1st break and do a 50-minute task and take a 10-minute break. After 4 Pomodoros (2 hours), take a longer 20-30 minute break.

Studies show that breaks every ~50 minutes actually increase your productivity.

Doing this Focus Exercise will actually change your brain as new neural connections are made in the attention networks of the brain.  Do at least 1-2 Pomodoros each work day for a week and let me know how it goes.  This simple attention technique over time can change your life!