4 Easy Tips to Be More Productive – Pomodoro Technique
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Being glued to a screen 24/7 for work can get monotonous and lead to various distractions. Likewise, it can be tough to power through the school day since everything has been moved to Zoom University. Almost everyone desires to be more productive in a shorter amount of time, but that can seem like a difficult task. Well, the missing pieces to your productivity are right here.
4 Tips to be More Productive
1. Set time limits for certain websites or apps
If you have a Mac or iPhone, you can easily set time limits for certain categories (entertainment/social) or even websites. This can be found if you go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits > Add Limit. You can choose how long you want the limit to be. For example, maybe you only want to be on social media for an hour, but you want to be able to watch Netflix for two hours. Easy peasy. This is a great tool if you find yourself endlessly scrolling instead of focusing on your work. I apologize if you have a different phone or computer, I am not well versed in their time limits haha.
2. Pomodoro Timer
One technique I have found really useful is to break up my work into little sections. This way my brain can rest every so often. I discovered the Pomodoro Method about two years ago, but finally started to put it to the test these past few months. The standard time is 4 rounds of 25 minutes work with a 5 minute break. After the 4th round of work, you get rewarded with a 25 minute break! I love the chrome extension Marinara: Pomodoro Assistant. When I’m on safari or without my laptop I use this app called Focus Keeper – Time Management. If I have a more intensive project to work on, I will change the work to 50 minutes with a 10 minute break. Using this technique, I am able to really be productive during the time I “work” and chill when it’s time to “rest.”
3. Write Out All Your Tasks
Get everything you have to accomplish written out on paper. Then pick 4, or whatever number works best for you, and make sure to knock them out today. I recommend getting a cute planner like this. When my stationary is cute, I feel like my life is together. Ensuring everything I have to do is written out right in front of me helps me to be more productive. Crossing out or highlighting things you’ve accomplished is SO satisfying and helps fuel me to do more.
4. Stay Hydrated & Fed
Maybe the most underrated simple tip is to make sure you drink enough water and eat enough. First, grab a colorful Hydroflask to keep your water cold (actually obsessed with this hibiscus color, I just got mine)! Then make a delicious and nutritious snack like this smoothie, or grab an apple and peanut butter. Your brain requires both water and food in order to function well. You can’t expect to put your best work out into the world if you are not properly nourished!
I hope these 4 tips can help you be more productive! Remember: time limits, pomodoro technique, write everything out, and stay nourished. Don’t forget to drop a comment with your thoughts or you stay productive!
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These are great tips! Will definetly use these 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Binet! Hope they can help!!
I have heard of the Pomodoro technique before, but I always dance around it. I don’t really have trouble with my productivity, but I may have to try it out. Maybe it will smooth out my productivity.
Thanks for the tips!
It’s definitely not for EVERYONE but I think most people could benefit from it! I would at least give it a try, maybe you’ll like it. Appreciate the comment, Kyle!
love how straight forward the tips are and its just a matter of discipline. thanks for sharing
Thanks, Jeannie! I try to get to the point without all the fluff.
‘Pomodoro Method’ is quite healthy. Our larger goals must be met by integrating smaller goals for better productivity..
Yep! They might be smaller pockets of “work,” but boy can you get more done if you take a rest!
Nice tips, thanks 😊 I always have a note book with a things to do list It’s really good to organize my work days.. I have never heard about this Pomodoro technique before but it makes se se.. Our brain cannot handle too much info for too long time. I need to check out this pomodoro assistant!
For sure give it a try, I have found it soooo helpful in staying extra productive! Thanks for the comment, Sari.
Thanks for the great post and tips on staying productive. That first point about the time limits on a phone would be GREAT for productivity, but I’m not sure if I can bring myself to do that!
I agree about breaking tasks up into smaller chunks/portions of time. It’s easier to motivate when the amount of time is lower. Thanks!
Haha the first one is tough! But, it will get easier over time. Appreciate the comment, AlSilva!
This is exactly what I needed to read today of all days lol!! Finding the balance between work and staying active is definitely a vital strategy to avoiding burn out. Thanks for the tips about promodo, will for sure be checking that one out!
Totally, I find that getting up and walking around during my break helps a lot! Appreciate the comment, Mae.