All of us are busy with our day-to-day lives. In these schedules of work-from-home jobs, online classes, and long-drawn activities, we nearly miss the time where we need some break for ourselves.
Most of us keep stretching all limits of the body that keeps us exhausted both physically and mentally. Today, let us dive into a time management method – The Pomodoro Technique. Though it is quite familiar, some are still unaware of this simple technique.
Is it beneficial for our body and mind? Can everyone follow the steps consistently? Let us learn more about the topic and some important benefits involved with it.
“One day we will be more creative, more productive, and yet more relaxed.” – Francesco Cirillo
Pomodoro – Splice the time
The Pomodoro technique was found by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s. Struggling with his studies, he wanted to concentrate and commit some time completely to his tasks. For this, he took a tomato timer from the kitchen and set alarm for smaller intervals.
It marked the beginning of an effective time management system – The Pomodoro Technique, where Pomodoro means tomato in Italian.
Using this technique, we can plan the time required to complete a particular task along with necessary intervals.
Simple Steps
These are the simple steps followed in the Pomodoro technique.
- Choose a task to do.
- Set the timer to 25 minutes.
- Keep aside any distractions and concentrate on the task.
- Once the timer rings, take a short break for 5-minutes.
- Get up. Stretch. Hydrate.
- Repeat the steps.
The 25 minutes span of time is the vital part of this method. If the task is complicated, make sure to split it into small portions before setting the timer. After about four Pomodoro streaks, take a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes.
During the five minutes, it’s better to get up from wherever you are, go for a walk, do breathing exercises, some simple hand, leg stretches, hydrate yourself, or any short-term activity.
It keeps our mind focused on the works we do and get replenished by the quick breaks taken. Along with this, there are many benefits for our body and mind by following a balancing time management technique. Some of these benefits are:
Reduces stress
Whenever we are working or doing any tasks for longer hours, both body and mind get tired. As we keep pushing ourselves to meet the deadlines, stress and strain increase. By using the Pomodoro technique, taking small breaks at frequent intervals are mandatory.
Studies reveal that small breaks during busy schedules can reduce stress. People who follow a pattern of working with necessary breaks are more productive and creative.
Alleviates back pain
Continuous working hours spent without any breaks hurts our body more than we know. It might not be visible for the eyes, but the cramps and pain at the back are the results of these tasks. The 5-minute short interval from the Pomodoro technique is worth it.
Getting up from your workspace and stretching gives a simple solution to desk-induced back pains and neck-shoulder pains. When you feel good mentally and physically, you can get more things done.
Reduces eye strain
People who focus more on computers due to work and students during their studies are affected with many eye problems. Some people feel itchiness, burning sensation, and tiredness after spending more hours in front of the computers. It applies to smartphones too.
Californian optometrist Jeffrey Anshel had designed a 20-20-20 rule for preventing the strains in our eyesight. Studies show that students who refocused on various objects periodically while using their computers had fewer symptoms of computer vision syndrome. It includes blurred vision, strained eyes, dry or watery eyes, etc.
Improves state of mind
Most of us do our tasks as if we are fighting against time. Have you ever thought if you keep against the time, how can you find some leisure time for yourself?
Do many people experience that burned-out feeling where we feel how did the time fly? Yeah, most of us do.
Doing a task constantly for long hours without any breaks, whether it be a work from job, online classes, or any activity, requires us to toil hard enough that we risk our lives to many diseases. They include heart risks, obesity, depression, etc.
Sometimes, all we need is some self-time for ourselves. Just to clear our thoughts, take a deep breath, and focus again on the tasks.
Generally, you persuade your thoughts by saying “I don’t have time for rest. There are tasks to complete.” Listening carefully to your mind as it keeps saying “ You have more than enough time. Take care of yourselves too. You are a priority.”
More happy, focused, and productive
Our brains consist of two modes known as the focused mode and diffuse mode. The former reflects learning new things, writing, etc, and the latter with daydreaming or a more relaxed state.
According to a study, breaks can replenish our energy, improve decision-making, and increase productivity. It leads to self-control and a better state of body, mind. It adds that downtime can help in refreshing our attention, motivation, creativity, etc. These are essential in achieving our highest level of performance and stabilizing our daily memories.
Apart from the Pomodoro technique, many techniques can help to have small breaks within our working timelines. We can take a break after 25 minutes or 50 minutes or 90 minutes. It depends on the various tasks and work schedules we have, but make sure to involve small breaks whenever needed.
Sometimes, we do tend to switch off that timer and go back to our lengthy schedules. It’s difficult in the beginning, but on going forward, you will realize the good outcomes it brings along.
“Find time for yourself in your daily routines. In the long run, it gifts you with an active body, peaceful mind, and lively life.” – Aswathy Ragesh
The main point in the entire article is to take yourself with priority. We are busy, with works, tasks, activities, classes, throughout our lives. Don’t you think you deserve some rest too? Sometimes finding time apart from these schedules might seem difficult in the beginning. So, why not apply those small intervals within your daily schedule?
Remember that when you take care of yourself, You can do wonders. These are simple techniques that can help us value our time, efforts, and maintain balance in both lives, work. Every moment is valuable.
Start from today, and you will soon realize the positive results happening in your life. Find time for yourself. After all, happiness is when you prioritize your inner peace and share a balanced life for yourself and others.
PS: Keep hustling, but remember to take breaks whenever necessary.
Aswathy Ragesh 